Dear Friends from Foreign Media based in Hong Kong:
On December 15, Jimmy Lai was found guilty on two charges of conspiring to collude with external forces to endanger national security and a charge of conspiracy to publish seditious materials by the High Court of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
To help foreign media gain a more comprehensive understanding of the case, as the Spokesperson for the Commissioner's Office of the Chinese Foreign Ministry in the HKSAR, I wish to draw your attention to some facts regarding this matter.
Was Jimmy Lai convicted because of "press freedom"?
No. Jimmy Lai was not prosecuted for reporting news or expressing views through his media outlets. The crux of his charges was his collusion with foreign forces to endanger national security. Jimmy Lai is a primary mastermind and participant in a series of anti-China activities aimed at destabilizing Hong Kong, and a pawn for external anti-China forces. His case has nothing to do with press freedom.
Jimmy Lai abused public opinion tools to incite hatred, intensify confrontation, and encourage support for riotous activities, serving as the mastermind behind the 2019 "black violence" in Hong Kong. He blatantly begged foreign countries to impose sanctions on his own country and city, even clamoring to "fight for the United States". In the legal system of any country in the world, Lai's actions would constitute serious crimes.
Was there judicial injustice in the Jimmy Lai case?
No. Hong Kong is a society under the rule of law, where laws must be observed and lawbreakers held accountable. The trial process of the Jimmy Lai case was open and transparent, with fair and just procedures. Lai's lawful rights were effectively guaranteed, and both the prosecution and defense fully presented evidence and cross-examined witnesses.
The Hong Kong Judiciary exercises judicial power independently, free from any interference. During the trial, a large number of members of the public, media representatives, and foreign consular officials in Hong Kong attended the hearings. Any objective and fair-minded person would recognize the impartiality and professionalism of the Hong Kong courts. The provisions of the Hong Kong National Security Law regarding juries, designated judges, and bail are reasonable, lawful, and just, fully demonstrating the authority of the National Security Law and the excellent rule of law environment in Hong Kong.
Was Jimmy Lai subjected to inhumane treatment during custody?
No. Lai's lawful rights and interests have been fully protected, and he is in good health. The HKSAR Government has provided Jimmy Lai with a safe, humane, appropriate, and healthy custodial environment in accordance with the law. Hong Kong's medical standards are world-renowned. Its correctional institutions are equipped with complete medical facilities and provide regular physical examinations. If Lai experiences any physical discomfort while serving his sentence, he receives timely, comprehensive, and appropriate diagnosis and treatment. Lai's defense lawyer confirmed in court that Lai had not been subjected to unjust treatment. At the court on December 15, Lai walked normally without needing assistance, and his overall condition was good.
As for the alleged issue of solitary confinement, this was arranged by the Correctional Services Department in accordance with the law, based on Jimmy Lai's own wishes. The allegations of "conviction before trial" or "extended detention" are also baseless. Lai was previously sentenced to 17 months and 5 years and 9 months respectively for unauthorized assembly and fraud, so he is currently serving those sentences. Some media also hyped that Lai was banned from receiving Holy Communion in prison. In fact, The Correctional Services Department arranges dedicated chaplains to provide religious services, including the receipt of Holy Communion, to Jimmy Lai in accordance with his wishes.
I wish to emphasize that some Western politicians have clamored for Jimmy Lai's release and even threatened to impose so-called "sanctions" on HKSAR judges and prosecutors who are dutifully performing their roles. Their attempts to influence judicial verdicts through political pressure blatantly trample on the spirit of the rule of law and fully expose their hypocritical "double standards". The Chinese side firmly opposes this.
Media serves as a bridge to enhance mutual understanding. I hope that friends from foreign media based in Hong Kong will uphold objective, fair, and professional ethics, gain a deeper understanding of the legal basis and factual context of the Jimmy Lai case, and report a true Hong Kong to the world.
(Source: Spokesperson of the Commissioner's Office of the Chinese Foreign Ministry in the HKSAR)
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