UN Special Rapporteur Urges Chinese Authorities to Investigate Allegations of Torture Against Jimmy Lai

UN Special Rapporteur Urges Chinese Authorities to Investigate Allegations of Torture Against Jimmy Lai

VoM News Desk | February 2, 2024 | 05:45 PM IST | China, World | Follow on Google News

UN Special Rapporteur Urges Chinese Authorities to Investigate Allegations of Torture Against Jimmy Lai/Reuters

UN Special Rapporteur Urges Chinese Authorities to Investigate Allegations of Torture Against Jimmy Lai

UN Special Rapporteur on Torture, Alice Jill Edwards, has written a letter to Chinese authorities, expressing deep concern over the allegations of torture against Apple Daily founder Jimmy Lai. Edwards urged an immediate investigation into these claims before any evidence is admitted into the ongoing proceedings against Lai.

Convention Against Torture Violation and Concerns About Evidence Obtained Unlawfully

The UNHRC press release highlighted Article 15 of the Convention Against Torture, emphasizing that any statement obtained as a result of torture should not be invoked as evidence in legal proceedings. Notably, China has ratified the same convention. Concerns were raised regarding the alleged torture of a prime prosecution witness during arrest at Shenzhen prison between 2020 and 2021.

Documentation of Coercive Techniques in Mainland China

The report mentioned the documented use of torture and coercive techniques, including the use of fixed restraint chairs (tiger chairs), to force confessions in mainland China. Edwards stressed the fundamental protection against the reliance on evidence obtained through torture or ill-treatment in any proceedings.

UNHRC Urges Chinese Government to Investigate Allegations

The UNHRC has urged the Chinese government to investigate the claims of torture, reminding them of the obligation to prosecute or extradite suspects responsible for such acts. The press release emphasized the importance of holding those accountable who are responsible for alleged torture against Jimmy Lai.

Background on Jimmy Lai’s Arrest and Charges

Jimmy Lai, a media mogul and advocate for free speech and democratic space in Hong Kong, was arrested in 2020 under charges of “sedition and foreign collusion” under the National Security Law. The UNHRC report noted that Lai could face a life prison sentence if the charges are proven. Earlier in January, UN experts called on the Hong Kong SAR authorities to drop all charges against Lai.

Second Trial Under National Security Law

Jimmy Lai’s trial is the second under China’s National Security Law, following the prosecution of 47 pro-democracy activists in the previous year. The UN continues to monitor and advocate for a fair and transparent legal process in such cases.

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