Statement by Foreign Minister Eide on the verdict against Jimmy Lai

'The verdict against Jimmy Lai is a sign that human rights and democracy are under pressure in Hong Kong', said Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide.

'This is a negative development that has been ongoing for several years. We have raised our concerns in meetings with the Chinese authorities on a number of occasions, most recently in November when I met China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing. We have also spoken out on Jimmy Lai's case on several occasions, both publicly and in closed meetings. We will continue to do so', said Eide.