Jimmy Lai, the founder of Next Digital, along with three related companies of Apple Daily, has been convicted on two counts of "conspiracy to collude with foreign or external forces to endanger national security" and one count of "conspiracy to publish seditious publications." Three companies of Apple Daily involved in the same case were also convicted of conspiracy to publish seditious publications and conspiracy to collude with foreign forces.
In response, sectors in Hong Kong expressed their full support for the corresponding sentencing of Lai in accordance with the law. They emphasized that the trial process was open, fair, and just, fully reflecting the rule of law and judicial independence.
The Liberal Party stated its full support for the judicial authorities in imposing appropriate sentences on those who deserve punishment according to the law. The case underwent a fair and open trial spanning 156 days, during which the court based its conviction on sufficient evidence and in accordance with legal procedures. The entire trial process was open, meticulously considering a substantial body of evidence and legal provisions before delivering a just and reasonable verdict.
The Hong Kong Legal Professionals Association noted that the court's earlier conviction in the Jimmy Lai case was the result of careful deliberation. Lai had long been engaged in planning connections with external forces with the intent to incite hatred among Hong Kong residents toward the central government and the Hong Kong SAR government. His actions posed a serious threat to national security and the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong, warranting severe punishment by the court.
Priscilla Leung, a member of the Hong Kong Basic Law Committee and a Legislative Council (LegCo) Member, said that Apple Daily had, over many years, used continuous media operations to conduct long-term ideological indoctrination targeting teachers, professionals, and young people, gradually fostering a distorted and hateful mindset toward their own country. Even after the implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law (NSL), related forces continued to engage in smear campaigns and misinformation in an attempt to perpetuate this brainwashing behavior, causing profound harm to Hong Kong society, particularly among the younger generation.
Leung expressed confidence that Hong Kong's judicial authorities would be able to adjudicate relevant cases independently, impartially, and in accordance with the law, free from external interference. She noted that all sectors of society have reasonable expectations regarding the sentencing outcome, hoping that the court will impose severe punishment in accordance with the law to send a clear message to society: any actions that endanger national security or undermine social stability must be severely punished as a deterrent.
LegCo Member Junius Ho said his support for the independent adjudication of Lai's case by Hong Kong's judicial authorities in accordance with the law. The case underwent 156 days of open trial, during which both the prosecution and defense fully presented their evidence, and the court delivered a conviction based on sufficient witness testimonies and material evidence.
He criticized Western politicians and anti-China forces for using false pretexts such as "press freedom" and "health concerns" to smear Hong Kong's judiciary and interfere with the trial, describing such actions as despicable maneuvers. National security is absolutely inviolable, and any actions that endanger national security must be severely punished in accordance with the law as a deterrent.
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