Jimmy Lai, 78, guilty in Hong Kong trial facing life sentence. Godfather Bill McGurn calls verdict a “phony” milestone; urges Trump, Starmer to pressure China for release.
Newsroom (16/12/2025 Gaudium Press ) Jimmy Lai, the 78-year-old Catholic media tycoon and prominent advocate for human rights and democracy, was found guilty on December 15 in his high-profile national security trial, concluding a protracted legal process that critics have widely condemned as politically motivated.
Sentencing for Lai, who holds British citizenship, is scheduled for a later date and carries the potential penalty of life imprisonment.
Bill McGurn, a Wall Street Journal columnist and Lai’s godfather, described the verdict in nuanced terms during an interview with “EWTN News Nightly.” “It’s important, and it’s not important,” McGurn said. He explained that the conviction was foreseeable within Hong Kong’s judicial framework under the national security law, adding, “everyone knew he would always be convicted.”
McGurn emphasized the procedural necessity of the outcome: “Jimmy cannot be released until he was convicted, and that’s why we had to wait all these years for the trial and then his conviction.” Yet he dismissed the proceedings as fundamentally flawed, calling it “this charade” and asserting, “the world sees it for what it is.” In Lai’s perspective, McGurn noted, the verdict represents no significant milestone “because it’s phony. Everything about it is phony.”
With the trial concluded, McGurn argued that the guilty verdict paradoxically advances efforts toward Lai’s potential release. “It is still a step forward because we finally can get to the deal-making now,” he said. He identified three key figures who will ultimately determine Lai’s fate: Chinese President Xi Jinping, U.S. President Donald Trump, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
McGurn described Trump as “essential to the deal,” noting that the U.S. leader has actively advocated for Lai’s freedom. In August, Trump publicly vowed to do “everything” possible to “save” Lai and to “see what we can do” to assist him. A White House official confirmed to EWTN News in October that Trump had raised the matter directly with Xi Jinping.
Following the verdict announcement, Trump expressed personal sympathy, telling reporters he feels “so badly” about the outcome. He recounted his prior intervention: “I spoke to President Xi about it and I asked to consider his release. He’s not well. He’s an older man and he’s not well, so I did put that request out. We’ll see what happens.”
McGurn stressed that Trump “has pushed for Jimmy’s release” and that administration officials “are working on it now,” though additional international support is needed. He critiqued the British government’s response, stating that despite Lai’s citizenship, “the British aren’t really pushing his release.” McGurn suggested Starmer “needs a little prod to get it done.”
Looking ahead, McGurn highlighted upcoming diplomatic opportunities, noting Trump’s planned visit to China in April and Starmer’s in January. He argued the British leader might wish to signal that “it’s not open season on British citizens,” though he observed reluctance from London thus far.
McGurn characterized the verdict as “a milestone, but it’s a phony one,” declaring, “The real work begins now where the U.S. gets ready to pressure the Chinese.”
On a personal note, McGurn revealed he has had no direct contact with Lai for three years, as authorities no longer permit his letters to reach the prisoner. However, he maintains communication with some family members.
Lai’s family has publicly reaffirmed his innocence and appealed for international intervention. “We stand by his innocence and condemn this miscarriage of justice,” said Lai’s daughter, Claire. She urged the United States to “continue to exert pressure for my father to be returned to our family so that he can recover in peace.”
McGurn praised the family’s resilience, calling them “an extraordinary faith-filled family.” He highlighted the role of Lai’s wife, Teresa, as “a rock,” noting that Lai himself acknowledges her vital support in bolstering his strength alongside his Catholic faith. “If Jimmy didn’t have Teresa to lean on, he knows it, he wouldn’t be strong,” McGurn said. “I mean, he has his faith, but she strengthens it. That’s what they have in common.”
The children, McGurn added, “have all been very eloquent in making appeals for their father’s freedom.”
- Raju Hasmukh with files from CNA
Related Images:
