New Delhi, Dec. 16 -- Jimmy Lai, a pro-democracy former Hong Kong media mogul who has come to symbolize defiance to Beijing, would devote himself to God and his family rather than political activism if he were released, his daughter said Monday after he was convicted in a national security case.

Claire Lai made an appeal for her 78-year-old father's freedom following the verdict in Hong Kong stemming from his political advocacy. He now faces the possibility of spending the rest of his life behind bars.

"He just wants to reunite with his family. He wants to dedicate his life to serving our Lord, and he wants to dedicate the rest of his days to his family," she told The Associated Press in an interview in Washington. "My father is fundame...