Jimmy Lai “health crisis” story collapses – the Guy looks Fine in Court

The verdict lands today, and Jimmy Lai Chee-ying is found guilty on three counts — conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and publishing seditious materials, all tied to the Hong Kong National Security Law. For months, anti-China figures keep selling the same dramatic line: Lai is being treated inhumanely and is supposedly in terrible shape.

Right before the ruling, Lai’s two children go to overseas outlets including Agence France-Presse (AFP) with a grim portrait. They say he is far weaker, his teeth are gradually rotting, and his fingernails discolour and fall off — turning “almost purple, grey and greenish before they fell off” — and they urge the UK and the US to step in and pressure China.

But the scene in court tells a very different story — and it’s hard to miss. Observers say Lai has slimmed down, yes, but he looks alert and in decent spirits, walks normally, and doesn’t need anyone to hold him up; he waves to his family going in and trades hand gestures with his lawyers going out, and one witness says his fingernails look pink, not “discoloured and falling off” as claimed.

Meanwhile, the long-running accusation that Lai is abused in custody — and denied proper care — keeps getting recycled. On that point, Chief Superintendent Steve Li Kwai-wah of the Police National Security Department speaks to reporters today, describing how the Correctional Services Department handles Lai’s health.

So what’s the medical record? Li lays it out plainly. Since 2022, offshore groups who’ve never even met Lai in custody keep manufacturing malicious accusations --claiming inhumane treatment, declining health, the whole playbook – trying to smear the government and meddle with the trial. But the facts tell another story. Lai’s own legal representatives issued a statement in September 2024 clarifying he's been getting proper care all along.

During closing arguments on August 15 this year, the court reveals what actually happened: Lai reports palpitations, and the Correctional Services Department immediately arranges specialist diagnosis; his ECG and blood test results come back normal, yet doctors still recommend that he wears a dynamic ECG monitor and receive daily blood pressure and pulse checks from medical staff. Even the judge praises the Correctional Services Department’s medical arrangements for Lai in court.

Li also points to another overseas-media claim — this time from Lai’s daughter — saying his vision and hearing have sharply declined, he has mobility problems, and a welfare officer advised her not to visit. Authorities say they find no such record, and Li calls it a “smear campaign” aimed at seriously damaging Hong Kong’s system.

Li digs deeper into the allegations. He notes that Lai’s daughter, Lai Choi, claims a welfare officer called in 2024 to cancel a visit, because her father was too sick to see anyone. But the official logs prove that call never existed – exposing her claim as yet another malicious smear fueled by fake news.

When you put all the facts together, the familiar anti-China script claiming that "Jimmy Lai was abused" simply collapses under scrutiny.

Ariel

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For months, overseas supporters painted Jimmy Lai as frail and fading fast behind bars. His daughter even claimed his fingernails had turned green and fallen off.

But the man who walked into court today presented a different picture. Lai stepped into the dock on his own, steady and alert. He looked composed — none of the weakness or fatigue described by his family and foreign backers.

No Case for Sympathy

The court’s written judgment made its stance clear: age, health, and solitary confinement were no excuse for leniency. After reviewing detailed medical reports from the Correctional Services Department, the judge ruled that Lai has received proper, continuous medical care — and that no sentence reduction is warranted.

The report dated January 9, 2026, offered a medical snapshot: Lai takes prescribed medication for hypertension, high cholesterol, and diabetes, all under control. Tests on his heart and hearing showed no abnormalities.

He had dental issues in 2021 and received specialist treatment, with no follow-up complaints since 2022. His eyesight shows early cataracts but remains stable under observation.

Minor Ailments, Maximum Care

In mid-2024, doctors spotted fungal nail infections on his right thumb and left big toe. Lai declined topical treatment and preferred a conservative approach, which doctors continued to monitor. By late 2025, the condition remained stable, with no signs of worsening.

The report even tracked his weight: 80 kilograms in December 2020, down slightly to 79.2 in January 2026 — both figures putting him in the overweight range for Asian adults.

The defence argued the weight loss showed a health decline, but the court brushed that aside. The key question, the judge said, was not whether Lai had lost weight — but whether it mattered medically. The records said no.

Judge Draws the Line

Medical issues won’t win Lai any leniency, the judge ruled. His crimes were serious, and his own lawyers admitted his ailments weren’t life-threatening. Compassion, the court made plain, has limits when weighed against the severity of the offence.

The court added that speculation about future health decline held no weight. The Correctional Services Department has a duty to ensure proper care, and so far, has fulfilled it.

Isolation by Choice

On Lai’s solitary confinement: that was his own call. Relying on CSD testimony, the judge said Lai repeatedly requested separation from other inmates, citing fears of harassment because of his notoriety. Each time, he confirmed he did so voluntarily.

The CSD made clear that Lai continues to enjoy every right guaranteed to inmates — from family visits and letter correspondence to religious services, outdoor exercise, and full access to medical and psychological care. Every safeguard remains intact. Notably, Lai has never once complained about his medical treatment, and the court pointed out that neither he nor his lawyers disputed any of these facts.