The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation has announced that Jimmy Lai, the imprisoned Hong Kong entrepreneur and standard-bearer for freedom, is an Honorary 2025 Bradley Prize winner.
Lai, who founded pioneering companies across a broad landscape spanning digital media, a pro-democracy newspaper, and retail apparel, is one of Hong Kong's most prominent business leaders. He is a courageous advocate for democracy and freedom of the press, whose powerful criticisms of Beijing's control over Hong Kong have made him a target of Chinese authorities.
Lai has been arrested multiple times and convicted on politically-motivated, sham charges. He is currently in prison, where he has spent more than four years in solitary confinement. He faces the possibility of life in prison if convicted under the draconian national security law Beijing imposed on Hong Kong in 2020.
“Jimmy’s extraordinary courage and deeply held beliefs in journalistic integrity, human dignity and democracy are an inspiration to all who value freedom,” said Rick Graber, president of The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation. “His advocacy against oppressive, authoritarian rule put him at risk. Yet instead of fleeing Hong Kong under increasing pressure by the Chinese Communist regime to silence his views, he stayed and continued to advocate for truth and transparency. His sacrifice serves as a beacon of hope for those fighting against tyranny and we are proud to award him with an Honorary Bradley Prize.”
The Foundation looks forward to welcoming Lai’s son, Sebastien, to receive the award on his behalf at the Bradley Prizes ceremony on Thursday, May 29th at DAR Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C.
In a statement, Sebastien Lai said, “Our family is deeply grateful for this honor of my father from The Bradley Foundation. He is to us most importantly a husband, father, and grandfather, but he has earned his place as a hero in the hearts of many around the world. The Bradley Prize is a testament to his commitment to truth and freedom, made evident in his tremendous self-sacrifice. From a tiny prison cell in Hong Kong, he continues to stand strong against the world’s largest and most powerful totalitarian regime. Thank you for reminding the world that his cause is not lost—good people must now fight for his freedom as he fought for theirs.”
Now in its 21st year, the Bradley Prize is awarded to individuals whose extraordinary work exemplifies the Foundation’s mission to restore, strengthen, and protect the principles and institutions of American exceptionalism and honors the ideals of the Western tradition.