Hong Kong Government Strongly Condemns International Criticism of Jimmy Lai National Security Sentencing

The Hong Kong government has strongly condemned international criticism and accusations from Western countries, anti-China media outlets, organizations, and politicians following the sentencing on February 9 of Jimmy Lai and eight other defendants, along with three companies linked to the now-defunct Apple Daily newspaper, for national security offenses.

In a statement issued on the evening of the sentencing, a government spokesperson described the case as a landmark milestone—the first conviction under the Hong Kong National Security Law for "conspiracy to collude with foreign or external forces to endanger national security." The spokesperson highlighted the law's role as a "stabilizing anchor" that deters those who threaten national security, ensuring they face severe punishment under the rule of law.

The spokesperson emphasized that external forces' attempts to "use Hong Kong to contain China" have failed, leading them to resort to "malicious political manipulation," including distorting facts and smearing the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region's (HKSAR) efforts to safeguard national security. Such actions, the statement said, reveal their "sinister intentions" and must be firmly rebutted.

The government pointed to the court's thorough 156-day open trial, which examined over 2,220 pieces of evidence, more than 80,000 pages of documents, and testimony from 14 prosecution witnesses. The court found Lai to be the mastermind, who controlled and used *Apple Daily* to "poison society" by repeatedly colluding with foreign entities and urging sanctions and hostile actions against the central government and the HKSAR.

Even after the National Security Law took effect, the defendants continued their criminal activities, and some persisted even after arrest. The court reportedly stated that Lai's sole aim was to bring down the Chinese Communist Party, regardless of the harm to the interests of China and Hong Kong's people. The spokesperson described Lai as having "brought disaster to the country and Hong Kong" and said he "deserves his punishment" given the gravity of his offenses.

The government rejected claims of "political prosecution," noting that the court's detailed written judgments on conviction and sentencing clearly explained the legal principles and evidence analysis. It stressed that Lai was not prosecuted for his political views or beliefs.

Addressing concerns that the heavy sentences could impact press freedom, the spokesperson insisted the case has "nothing to do with freedom of the press." The defendants, it argued, had merely used news reporting as a pretext to carry out acts that endangered the country and Hong Kong.

The statement also defended the length of the proceedings, explaining that the complex, meticulously planned conspiracies involved vast evidence, and the prosecution and defense— including Lai's 52-day self-defense in court—were handled in full compliance with legal procedures and defendants' rights under Article 42 of the National Security Law. There was no unfairness, the government maintained.

On reports regarding Lai's health and detention conditions, the spokesperson dismissed them as fabricated lies by those with ulterior motives. It affirmed that the Correctional Services Department has provided a safe, humane environment with adequate lighting, ventilation, timely medical care, and other necessities. Lai's rights—including visits, correspondence, welfare, religious services, and outdoor activities—remain intact. During mitigation hearings on January 12-13, Lai's senior counsel confirmed no complaints about his prison treatment, and the court's sentencing reasons noted sufficient medical services provided.

The government reiterated Hong Kong's constitutional duty to safeguard national sovereignty, security, and development interests. It vowed to continue strictly enforcing the law under the principles of "laws must be followed, enforcement must be strict, and violations must be punished," while protecting the legitimate rights of residents and others in Hong Kong.

The spokesperson urged all parties to recognize the facts and cease baseless malicious attacks.