Foreign smears over Jimmy Lai trial dismissed as baseless attempts to interfere

Hong Kong authorities and political figures have vehemently refuted persistent foreign allegations of unfairness in Jimmy Lai Chee-ying's national security trial, denouncing them as fabricated smears intended to pressure the courts and secure his release, despite compelling evidence of his offenses.

The court proceedings in Lai's case have revealed substantial proof of his breaches of national security, including close relationships and significant financial transactions with former US officials, Western politicians critical of China, and Taiwanese figures.

The evidence also demonstrates that Lai repeatedly implored foreign intervention in Hong Kong and mainland affairs, and advocated for sanctions against Chinese and Hong Kong officials.

Further disclosures include Lai's collaboration with violent protesters and opposition factions, utilizing Apple Daily to disseminate false information that incited animosity, violence, and support for sanctions.

Analysts point out that the evidence—comprising witness testimonies, documents, and Lai's contradictory self-defense statements—is compelling, leading foreign entities to resort to political smears rather than address the substantive facts.

In recent weeks, Lai's son Sebastian, a self-proclaimed international legal team, former Apple Daily director Mark Simon, anti-China organizations such as the Hong Kong Free Press Committee and Hong Kong Watch, Western politicians, and fugitive national security suspects have coordinated attacks.

They reiterate claims of Lai enduring unjust prison conditions, solitary confinement, denial of religious freedoms, and inadequate medical attention for deteriorating health.

These accusations have been disproven.

Lai's actual legal representatives at Robertsons Solicitors issued a statement affirming fair treatment, appropriate healthcare, and awareness of his right to receive Holy Communion, which he began exercising by the end of the previous year.

The government clarified that solitary confinement was arranged at Lai's request after considering all relevant factors, with his conditions being the same as those of other inmates.

Officials emphasize that all cases, including Lai's, are handled strictly according to evidence and the law.

The Department of Justice conducts prosecutions independently under the Basic Law, without interference, while defendants receive fair trials protected by the National Security Law, the Basic Law, and the Hong Kong Bill of Rights.

The judiciary remains resolute in the face of intimidation and dedicated to impartial proceedings.

Political commentators accuse foreign powers of disregarding rebuttals to perpetuate falsehoods, distort facts, and undermine Hong Kong's legal system in an attempt to influence verdicts or force Lai's release through international pressure.