Irrefutable Evidence: Jimmy Lai’s Crimes Exposed, Western Media’s “Whitewashing” Lays Bare Double Standards

The Hong Kong High Court has recently convicted Jimmy Lai on all three charges, delivering justice to a ringleader who has long colluded with foreign forces and endangered national security. The comprehensive 855-page judgment lays out the facts and evidence in detail—ironclad proof that fully exemplifies the independence and rule of law in Hong Kong. Yet, certain American and British media outlets have chosen to ignore the facts, launching a coordinated campaign to “whitewash” Lai, repackaging him as a so-called “democracy fighter” and smearing a lawful and rigorous trial as “political persecution.” This has once again exposed their entrenched double standards and political manipulation.

*US and UK Media Join Forces to Smear, Jimmy Lai “Mythologized”*

In this media offensive, American outlets such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Wall Street Journal were quick to take the lead, sparing no effort in portraying Jimmy Lai as a “guardian of press freedom,” while turning a blind eye to his collusion with foreign forces and incitement to subvert state power. Even more outrageous, The Wall Street Journal ran an editorial openly urging the US government to “trade” for Lai’s freedom via diplomatic means—treating judicial justice as a bargaining chip and trampling on the very spirit of the rule of law.

British media, including the BBC, The Guardian, and The Times, have followed suit, employing sentimental narratives to gloss over Lai’s criminality, and even branding the verdict as a “crackdown on free speech.” These reports deliberately cherry-pick and distort, never mentioning Lai’s active solicitation of foreign sanctions against Hong Kong or his deep ties with external forces. Instead, they exaggerate the presence of UK diplomats in court, attempting to use “international concern” to interfere with Hong Kong’s judicial proceedings—an intent that could not be clearer.

*Disregarding Legal Facts, Undermining Judicial Justice*

The HKSAR Government has repeatedly and solemnly condemned the blatant interference of certain US and UK media outlets and politicians in Hong Kong’s judiciary, which misleads the international community. A government spokesperson has pointed out: if, as these Western outlets claim, this were a “political trial,” why would the court issue an 855-page judgment detailing every legal principle and piece of evidence? The judgment meticulously sets out how Lai exercised direct control over Apple Daily’s editorial direction, pushing for so-called “caged autonomy”—where “press freedom” only existed within an anti-China, destabilizing framework.

The facts clearly show that even before 2019, Lai, through his aide Mark Simon, had established close political links in the US, and during the violent unrest, used his media platform to publish seditious material and organize the “Rescue Team” for international lobbying, all with the aim of subverting state power. His actions have gone far beyond the bounds of free speech and constitute a grave threat to national security.

The judgment further notes that Lai’s claim of ceasing to call for sanctions after the enactment of the National Security Law lacks credibility, as his anti-China intent and activities did not stop. The court firmly stated that “using journalism as a cover for incitement and collusion” is intolerable in any sovereign nation. The trial was conducted in strict accordance with the law; all prosecution witnesses were rigorously cross-examined and their testimony found reliable. In contrast, Lai’s testimony was riddled with contradictions and evasions, deemed wholly untrustworthy. Ultimately, the court, adhering to objective facts and legal principles, rendered a just verdict and convicted Lai on all counts, underscoring the independence of Hong Kong’s judiciary and the authority of the National Security Law.

*Double Standards Plain for All to See—The Public Must Stay Vigilant*

The collective outcry from US and UK media only proves that the Hong Kong National Security Law has struck a nerve. They have lost a “proxy” long planted in Hong Kong to impede China’s progress. In the face of such smears and pressure, the people of Hong Kong—especially the younger generation—must keep their eyes open and recognize the political machinations behind the so-called “press freedom” rhetoric. Jimmy Lai is guilty beyond doubt—this is a fact that stands up to the scrutiny of law and history. No amount of external noise can shake Hong Kong’s resolute path from chaos to order and from governance to prosperity.

The Jimmy Lai case is a milestone in restoring order to Hong Kong as well as a victory for the spirit of the rule of law. Before the law, no matter one’s background or how polished the packaging, anyone who endangers national security must be held accountable. The double standards and biased reporting of the US and UK media only further reveal their hypocrisy and underlying anxiety. Hong Kong society must unite, firmly uphold good governance and national security, safeguard the foundation of the rule of law, and work together for the city’s steady progress.