TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Mainland Affairs Council condemned the conviction of Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai as political persecution that undermines press freedom and democracy.

The council said Lai was charged under Hong Kong’s National Security Law with two counts of “colluding with foreign forces” and one count of “conspiracy to publish seditious publications,” and has been detained for nearly five years, violating judicial fairness, per CNA. It noted that the international community and human rights groups are concerned and have repeatedly called for his release.

It said that Taiwan and the international community were “deeply saddened and disappointed” by the conviction. It stressed that it “strongly condemns the Hong Kong government for using the draconian national security law to suppress freedom of speech and the press, and to politically persecute pro-democracy figures.”

The council said that freedom of speech and the press are internationally recognized values. The verdict signals that Hong Kong’s freedom, democracy, and judicial independence have been eroded.

While the Hong Kong government continues to emphasize “telling Hong Kong’s story well” to the world, “no amount of storytelling can cover up the fact that it has suppressed freedom of speech and persecuted pro-democracy activists,” said the council. It called on Beijing and the Hong Kong government to immediately release Lai and halt the persecution of democracy advocates, restoring the freedoms promised to Hong Kong residents under the Basic Law.

Lai, 78, and his three Next Digital companies were each charged with one count of colluding with foreign forces and one count of conspiracy to publish seditious publications. The companies are Apple Daily Limited, Apple Daily Printing Limited, and Apple Daily Internet Limited.

Lai’s additional charge for collusion was linked to Andy Li Yu-hin, a supporter of the anti-extradition protests and member of the “Fight for Freedom, Stand with Hong Kong” lobbying group. Judge Esther Toh read the verdict on Monday, finding Lai guilty on all three counts, with charges against the companies also upheld.

Sentencing will be heard on Jan. 12, following Lai’s plea for leniency.