The plea process in Jimmy Lai's case, charged with endangering national security, was completed yesterday, with the eight other co-defendants all pleading guilty and expressing varying degrees of remorse, hoping for lighter sentences. However, Lai, who openly declared he is "fighting for the US," neither pleaded guilty nor showed any remorse. He continued to engage in criminal activities during both his bail and imprisonment. The nature of the case, involving collusion with foreign forces, is an aggravating factor for sentencing.
Lai was sentenced last month for two counts of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and one count of conspiracy to publish seditious publications, deemed fitting given his actions. After 156 days of trial and an 855-page ruling, it was revealed that Lai used "freedom of the press" as a façade to collude with foreign forces, solicit sanctions against China and Hong Kong, and manipulate Apple Daily to spread seditious content. Even after the National Security Law took effect, he persisted in illegal actions.
Mitigation is part of common law, and sincere remorse is key for receiving leniency. However, Lai has shown no signs of contrition, resorting instead to playing the victim by exaggerating so-called health issues and conditions of solitary confinement. Yet, evidence shows his health is normal, and he has not been denied any rights as an inmate, debunking claims of "abuse" in prison. This essentially provides an excuse for foreign anti-China forces to "slander" Hong Kong and tarnish the reputation of the Hong Kong National Security Law, with malicious intent.
Under Article 29 of the Hong Kong National Security Law, there are two sentencing tiers for collusion, with serious offenses warranting over ten years to life imprisonment. The prosecution highlighted that if the charges involve foreign elements, they are considered aggravating factors. Lai not only demanded foreign sanctions against Hong Kong but also directly sought the enforcement of laws targeting Hong Kong, causing tangible harm.
Some Western politicians and media have continually sensationalized Lai's case, threatening to sanction judges involved, demonstrating Lai's role as an agent of foreign anti-China forces and a significant threat to Hong Kong's national security. As commentators have pointed out, if Jimmy Lai is allowed to succeed, foreign forces will march in unimpeded, with unimaginable consequences.
The prosecution also noted that Lai continued to commit offenses while on bail and in custody, including instructing co-conspirators to operate Apple Daily as before, reflecting his disregard for the rule of law, an additional factor for increased sentencing.
Ironically, the eight co-defendants, once close allies of Lai, have all pleaded guilty and expressed remorse. Some are now key witnesses against him, providing vital evidence for the case. The former vice president of Apple Daily expressed regret for not insisting on opposing Lai's controversial articles, highlighting a total estrangement from Lai among his former supporters.
The case against Lai is a significant one for upholding national security in Hong Kong and must be dealt with rigorously. No matter the background or external support, Lai's fate is sealed. The plea process has concluded, and a fair verdict awaits him. Having previously claimed that "going to jail is the pinnacle of life," Lai has sought what he deserves—what complaints could he possibly have?
(Source: Ta Kung Pao)
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