Pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai is physically breaking down in a Hong Kong prison and "time is running out" for him if the U.S. and Britain do not push for his release, his son said.

As pro-democracy publisher Jimmy Lai spoke in his defense at a Hong Kong court Tuesday, his son Sebastien Lai was in Geneva calling for the United States and other world leaders to help secure this father's release.

Former media boss says Apple Daily op-ed that called for leadership team was simply to help radical protesters set basic principles.