The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government has formally affirmed that the judicial verdict in the national security case against media proprietor Jimmy Lai was determined exclusively through strict legal procedures and evidentiary standards. In an official statement released Monday, a government spokesperson emphasized that the court’s decision demonstrates rigorous adherence to judicial independence, completely free from external interference or political considerations.
Lai, identified by authorities as a key instigator of anti-China disturbances in Hong Kong, was convicted on three distinct charges: two counts of conspiring to collude with external forces and one count of conspiracy to publish seditious materials. The court specifically clarified that the conviction was not influenced by Lai’s political perspectives or beliefs, but rather by his unlawful actions.
HKSAR Chief Executive John Lee characterized the verdict as a clear manifestation of legal justice and the reinforcement of Hong Kong’s core values. He asserted that national security laws cannot be violated under the pretext of human rights, democracy, or freedom, emphasizing that the government remains steadfast in its constitutional duty to combat all activities that endanger national security.
The government statement addressed what it described as deliberate misinformation campaigns from Western powers, particularly the United States, regarding Lai’s case. Officials specifically rejected attempts to frame the prosecution as an attack on press freedom, noting that Hong Kong’s legal framework—including the Basic Law and Hong Kong Bill of Rights Ordinance—continues to protect journalistic and speech freedoms. The spokesperson clarified that Lai’s activities involved using media operations as camouflage for actions damaging to both national and Hong Kong interests.
Regarding Lai’s treatment during detention, authorities confirmed he received comprehensive medical care and appropriate religious accommodations. The government concluded by acknowledging persistent national security risks and reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding national sovereignty through the continued implementation of Hong Kong’s national security legal framework.