Jimmy Lai Hong Kong Political Prisoner Accountability Act of 2026

It is the policy of the United States that—

(1) the United States has a direct and substantial national interest in the welfare and release of all individuals detained, imprisoned, or otherwise deprived of liberty in Hong Kong, or by authorities of the People’s Republic of China, for the peaceful exercise of internationally recognized human rights and fundamental freedoms, including rights and freedoms protected under the Joint Declaration, the Basic Law, and applicable international law, and such individuals shall be regarded by the United States Government as political prisoners, because the detention and treatment of such individuals directly implicate—

(A) the preservation of the rule of law and fundamental rights and freedoms in Hong Kong;

(B) the high degree of autonomy promised to Hong Kong and the adherence of the People’s Republic of China to its obligations and commitments with respect to Hong Kong;

(C) the security and interests of United States citizens, businesses, and other persons in Hong Kong;

(D) the continued role of Hong Kong as an open and reliable international financial, commercial, and cultural center; and

(E) the broader interest of the United States in upholding respect for internationally recognized human rights, international commitments, and the rule of law in the Indo-Pacific region and in relations with the People’s Republic of China;

(2) in advocating for the immediate and unconditional release of all Hong Kong political prisoners, including Jimmy Lai Chee-ying, the United States should make clear to the Government of the People’s Republic of China and the Government of Hong Kong that the death in custody of any such Hong Kong political prisoner as a result of the actions or omissions of detaining authorities would result in significant and immediate consequences for relations with the United States;

(3) the United States will hold the Government of the People’s Republic of China and the Government of Hong Kong accountable for ensuring the health, safety, and humane treatment of all Hong Kong political prisoners, including access to adequate medical care and, in the case of foreign nationals, timely and meaningful consular access;

(4) the United States will respond promptly and proportionately to the death in custody of any Hong Kong political prisoner resulting from the actions or omissions of the detaining authorities, including through appropriate sanctions, diplomatic measures, the use of the voice, vote, and influence of the United States at the United Nations and other international organizations and multilateral fora, and other actions affecting relations with the Government of the People’s Republic of China and the Government of Hong Kong; and

(5) the United States should coordinate with allies and partners, including the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, the European Union, and other democratic governments, to ensure a timely and coordinated international response to the death in custody of any Hong Kong political prisoner, including through parallel sanctions, coordinated diplomatic measures, and other collective actions to increase accountability and deter further abuses.