Germany condemns verdict against Hong Kong media mogul Jimmy Lai

The German government has condemned the verdict of a Hong Kong court against pro-democracy publisher Jimmy Lai as "very worrying".

"The verdict highlights the profound deterioration in freedom of expression, freedom of the press and freedom of assembly in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region," said a spokesman for the Foreign Office in Berlin on Monday.

In addition, Lai's fragile health must be taken into account, both medically and legally, the spokesman said.

The German government calls on the Hong Kong authorities to respect the rights and freedoms guaranteed to Hong Kong citizens under the constitution, the spokesman added.

In Brussels, a spokesperson for the EU diplomatic service said it "deplores the conviction."

"This prosecution is politically motivated and emblematic of the erosion of democracy and fundamental freedoms in Hong Kong since the imposition of the national security law in 2020."

Lai, who is 78, was found guilty on Monday of violations of the national security law. He was charged with conspiracy to collaborate with foreign forces and for publishing seditious material.

He is considered a symbol of the democracy movement in the Chinese Special Administrative Region.