Hong Kong Federation of Journalists Strongly Condemns "Reporters Without Borders" for Undermining Hong Kong's Rule of Law

Hong Kong Federation of Journalists stated that it has noted that on the eve of the closing submissions in the case involving Jimmy Lai's violation of the Hong Kong National Security Law, the organization "Reporters Without Borders" issued a so-called statement, fabricating facts and openly smearing and intimidating the Special Administrative Region's judicial authorities in an attempt to exonerate the lawbreaker.

The Federation said this is a trampling on the rule of law and a gross interference in the internal affairs of the Special Administrative Region. Hong Kong Federation of Journalists firmly opposes this and strongly condemns it.

The Federation stated that Jimmy Lai has long colluded with external forces and undermined national security, which is already well-known to the public. The violations of the National Security Law he is involved in have become abundantly clear during the trial that has lasted over a year. During his detention, his personal rights have been fully protected by law. As reiterated by the SAR government spokesperson on the 13th: "The Correctional Services Department has always attached great importance to the safety and health of persons in custody. Regardless of the identity, age, or nationality of the persons in custody, the Department has always been committed to providing them with a safe, humane, appropriate, and healthy custodial environment." "The Correctional Services Department handles matters related to Jimmy Lai in accordance with the above arrangements, with no difference from other persons in custody."

The Federation pointed out that in fact, Jimmy Lai's true legal representatives have already clarified that he has consistently received appropriate treatment and care in prison. However, the "Reporters Without Borders" organization turns a blind eye to this, continues to distort the facts, openly smears the judicial system and trial of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and attempts to fabricate facts about Jimmy Lai's detention treatment, whitewash criminal behavior, and exert pressure on the SAR courts. Its actions seriously violate the most basic professional ethics of journalists and are outright political smears with malicious intentions.

The Federation believes that as the broadest and largest media organization in Hong Kong's journalism community, it firmly supports the SAR's judicial and law enforcement authorities in performing their duties in accordance with the law, steadfastly upholds the rule of law in Hong Kong, and resolutely opposes political suppression by foreign forces. It must be pointed out that anti-China forces, including the "Reporters Without Borders" organization, any smears against Hong Kong will only further confirm their collusion with external forces and crimes of undermining national security, and will further expose their true face of opposing China and disrupting Hong Kong.