The case of Jimmy Lai exposes not only the truth behind the 2019 riots and Lai's long-term collusion with foreign forces but also lays bare the double standards of the West regarding the rule of law and human rights. As people around the world observe, Western politicians and media, while preaching about "freedom of the press" and "human rights," criticize Hong Kong for legally prosecuting Jimmy Lai, yet they strictly enforce national security laws within their own countries, showing no leniency toward actions that threaten national security. Such hypocritical and despicable behavior only underscores the legitimacy and importance of Hong Kong's actions in safeguarding national security and convicting Lai according to the law.
The West never hesitates in safeguarding national security
For instance, anti-China politicians have long smeared Hong Kong by alleging the suppression of press and speech freedom. However, in 2022, the Council of the European Union passed a resolution banning the operation of a Russian media outlet, justifying it by stating it posed a "significant and direct threat to EU public order and security." This ban covered various platforms, including cable, satellite, IPTV, websites, and applications. The EU claimed, "This is a necessary action to maintain national security," and yet, in this blatant media suppression, it said nothing about press freedom.
The world still remembers that in 2013, former CIA employee Edward Joseph Snowden revealed the US government's surveillance program and was subsequently charged with "espionage" by the US Department of Justice. He has since been living in exile and cannot return to the US. Did anyone in the US government speak up to defend Snowden's freedom of speech at that time? What the world witnessed was the US adopting a zero-tolerance stance on actions that threaten national security, relentlessly pursuing Snowden, and determined to punish him no matter how far away he was.
On the issue of inciting violence, the US government's and Congress's stance is even clearer: no mercy and a resolute crackdown. After the Capitol attack in 2021, the local Department of Justice promptly prosecuted hundreds of protesters involved in the incident, with several being charged with "inciting a riot" for posting incendiary content on social media, facing up to 20 years in prison. Enrique Tarrio, the former leader of the far-right group, received a 22-year sentence for his role in directing the Capitol riot and disrupting the certification process of the 2020 election results.
Yet, they remain silent about the US invasion of Venezuela
Since the beginning of US President Trump's second term, numerous instances of ignoring international law and order while trampling on the principles of the rule of law have been enough to demonstrate that the "beacon of democracy" in the US has long been hollow. Furthermore, after Jimmy Lai's conviction, the G7 and EU foreign ministers immediately issued a joint statement expressing strong condemnation, calling for Hong Kong to cease prosecutions under the national security law and to release Lai immediately. However, why did the G7 and EU not similarly issue condemnations and demands for the release of individuals regarding the US invasion of Venezuela?
The West exploits the Jimmy Lai case to hype "freedom of the press," essentially turning Lai into a political tool to interfere in China's internal affairs and meddle in Hong Kong matters. When faced with national security threats, Western countries do not hesitate to invoke severe laws; yet when the Hong Kong SAR fulfills its responsibility and rights to safeguard national security, it is labeled as "suppressing freedom." This is not only hypocritical but also a blatant violation of international law and principles of sovereignty.
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