By Iris Wong
The Hong Kong court yesterday (Dec. 15) ruled that Jimmy Lai was guilty of three charges under the Hong Kong National Security Law, which immediately drew attention from both local and international public opinion. This case not only involves judicial proceedings but also represents a profound practice of upholding national security and the spirit of the rule of law, reaffirming the power and core value of the National Security Law.
Jimmy Lai has long acted as a "funder" for anti-China and pro-anarchy elements in Hong Kong and is a key participant and planner of various activities that disrupt Hong Kong. A substantial amount of evidence shows that he, disguised as a media figure, deliberately incited social division and recklessly spread hate speech, openly colluding with foreign forces. His actions have crossed legal boundaries and breached national security red lines, harming the fundamental interests of all Hong Kong citizens.
As a city under the rule of law, anyone who breaks the law must bear the corresponding legal consequences. The Lai case went through 156 days of trial, strictly adhering to legal procedures throughout. The law enforcement, prosecution, and trial by relevant authorities in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region were all conducted in accordance with the law. It is, therefore, a double standard for Western countries to self-proclaim "the rule of law" while interfering in Hong Kong's judicial practices. Such external forces that interfere in Hong Kong's judiciary essentially trample on the spirit of the rule of law, and we should firmly rebut this.
Security is the prerequisite for development, and high-level security must safeguard high-quality development. More than five years since the implementation of the National Security Law, the turbulence and chaos of the past have dissipated, social order has returned to the right track, and citizens are living and working in stability. The consensus that national security equates to the security of Hong Kong and families has become a strong belief across society. Currently, Hong Kong ranks among the top three global financial centers, and foreign investors continue to be optimistic about and invest in Hong Kong. These facts indicate a significant improvement in the stability and certainty of the business environment here, with evident results widely recognized by the international community.
The lawful trial and judgment of national security offenders, such as the notorious Jimmy Lai, is an inherent requirement for maintaining national security and social stability, as well as safeguarding the authority of the rule of law. It is also a necessary move to ensure Hong Kong's prosperity and development. Anyone, regardless of their identity or background, who engages in actions that jeopardize national security will face severe legal penalties. This serves as a strong warning following the verdict in the Lai case, as emphasized in the recent article published by the State Council's Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office: "We firmly support the comprehensive and accurate implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and any attempts to obstruct the region's maintenance of national security are futile."
The author is a Deputy to the National People's Congress and a Member of the Chinese Association of Hong Kong & Macao Studies.
The views do not necessarily reflect those of DotDotNews.
(Source: Wen Wei Po)
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