Slander Cannot Defeat Ironclad Facts: International Forces Cannot Shake the Foundation of Hong Kong’s Rule of Law

As the Jimmy Lai case enters its closing arguments, various smears regarding his health and conditions in custody have resurfaced, with external forces attempting to use these issues to pressure Hong Kong’s judicial system. However, the ironclad facts have already clarified everything. The HKSAR Government has made it clear that Jimmy Lai has received professional medical care during his time in custody, with all arrangements made with his personal consent. The court proceedings have been open and transparent, affording both prosecution and defense every opportunity to present their arguments, with judicial fairness beyond reproach. The court has also publicly disclosed that as early as August 7, specialist doctors conducted thorough examinations on Lai, finding his electrocardiogram to be normal and proactively recommending both a cardiac monitor and medication—recommendations which Lai himself refused on the spot. The defense counsel also confirmed that Lai receives daily visits from professional medical staff and has made no complaints. The presiding judge has publicly commended the Correctional Services Department for its arrangements, further demonstrating Hong Kong’s commitment to the rule of law.

External Forces Fabricate Rumors, Attempt to Manipulate Public Opinion

Facts speak louder than words. Recently, external forces and Lai’s camp have engaged in a well-coordinated campaign to play the “sympathy card,” flooding international media with misleading statements. Groups such as Reporters Without Borders, the Human Rights Foundation, the Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong, along with Lai’s son, have claimed that Lai’s health has sharply deteriorated, even resorting to alarmist claims that he has “little time left,” and called on foreign governments to interfere in Hong Kong’s judiciary. Foreign media outlets such as CNN and Reuters have acted as echo chambers for these claims, selectively quoting the defense and Lai’s family to deliberately portray Lai as gravely ill or suffering, while ignoring facts established in court. Their reports are calculated to stir international opinion and politicize the case.

Such unfounded rhetoric and reporting, filled with exaggeration and sensationalism, are aimed squarely at misleading the international community, smearing the HKSAR Government, and damaging the image of Hong Kong’s rule of law. In truth, the so-called “solitary confinement” was arranged at Jimmy Lai’s own request, while the alleged “health crisis” has already been debunked by medical reports and court evidence. External forces repeatedly exploit so-called human rights issues as a pretext to interfere in China’s internal affairs and apply pressure on Hong Kong’s judiciary in pursuit of their own political interests.

Strong Response from the HKSAR Government; Society Sees Through the Smears

Faced with these groundless accusations, the HKSAR Government and judiciary have responded forcefully. The government has issued statements strongly condemning media reports for being “out of context and inaccurate,” reiterating that Lai’s medical care is appropriate and that all decisions have respected his wishes. The government has also emphasized that medical arrangements for persons in custody are made with fairness and impartiality. Most convincingly, the court proceedings have been fully open and transparent, with all medical records and opinions of specialist doctors presented in court, and both sides given every opportunity to make their case. Judge Du Li-bing has explicitly praised the Correctional Services Department for its professionalism, and the adjournment of the case was made out of judicial prudence, not external pressure.

Hong Kong society at large has strongly condemned these unwarranted smears by external forces, emphasizing that the rule of law is the cornerstone of the city and cannot be shaken. The general public recognizes that Hong Kong’s courts will deliver fair judgments based on facts and the law, immune to foreign interference or emotional manipulation from the defense. In fact, the contrast between external hype and the hard evidence presented in court has made these smear tactics increasingly transparent to the public.

Hong Kong’s Rule of Law Stands Firm; External Manipulation Ends in Disgrace

In summary, the so-called “health crisis” and “political victimhood” narrative concocted by external forces and Jimmy Lai’s camp has utterly collapsed in the face of open court proceedings and irrefutable evidence. All attempts at slander have ended in farce. Hong Kong’s judiciary stands as solid as a rock, with courts rendering fair and impartial judgments based solely on facts and the law, impervious to external pressure and political manipulation. This political maneuvering by external forces is nothing more than a tired tactic to interfere in China’s internal affairs and undermine Hong Kong’s rule of law, and will ultimately only bring disgrace upon themselves. Hong Kong society must remain united, steadfastly uphold the core values of the rule of law, draw a clear line with all acts of defamation, and safeguard judicial fairness and social stability.