Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 February 2026
81. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade her views on the continued detention in Hong Kong of businessman and pro-democracy advocate Jimmy Lai, the harassment of one of his lawyers and an Irish citizen (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8209/26]
View answerIreland has repeatedly expressed deep concern about the human rights situation in Hong Kong, including the specific case of Jimmy Lai, the reports of his deteriorating health condition and the possibility that the charges against him could carry a maximum sentence of imprisonment for life. Officials at the Consulate General of Ireland in Hong Kong have been following this case, alongside our EU colleagues, since its beginning.
The recent developments in this case further strengthen our concerns that the introduction of the National Security Law in June 2020 and the subsequent legislation adopted in March 2023 are having a chilling effect on human rights in Hong Kong.
The EU’s statement on the verdict in the Jimmy Lai case on 15 December 2025 underlined that a free and independent media is vital for resilient societies and ensuring government accountability. Ireland shares this view, and agrees that the developments in the case are emblematic of the erosion of democracy and fundamental freedoms in Hong Kong.
The Government continues to raise our concerns with regard to the situation in Hong Kong at the bilateral level with Chinese officials, including most recently during the visit to China by the Taoiseach in January. At the multilateral level, Ireland’s national statement at the 60th session of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) reiterated our concerns over restrictions on freedom of expression, and called for the right to freedom of assembly and association to be respected in Hong Kong. At the last Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of China at the HRC in 2024, Ireland called for the immediate release of all arbitrarily detained human rights defenders, journalists and civil society activists.
On the details supplied, officials from my Department have met with this Irish citizen and other members of Mr. Lai’s international legal team. The descriptions of the harassment that this human rights lawyer has experienced in course of their work, including the threats that have been made against the individual and their family, are abhorrent and unacceptable.
Any unlawful coercion, threat or harassment that occurs within the State should be reported to An Garda Síochána. In terms of any incidents that may have occurred abroad, Irish citizens can contact An Garda Síochána if they are currently in Ireland. If an Irish citizen is abroad, they should, where possible, report such incidents to the relevant local authorities.
