The Committee to Protect Journalists joined 71 other press freedom and human rights organizations in an August 21 joint letter calling on British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to secure UK citizen and publisher Jimmy Lai’s release on medical grounds.

Lai, the 77-year-old founder of the pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily, has suffered deteriorating health, including heart palpitations and feelings of “collapse,” while behind bars for nearly five years on charges of sedition and conspiracy to collude with foreign.

The groups urge Starmer to take “strong leadership” and act “swiftly and decisively” in securing Lai’s freedom after closing arguments scheduled August 14 for his national security trial have been delayed, partially because of his health. Lai faces up to life in prison if convicted. Lai faces up to life in prison if convicted.

Read the full joint letter here.