By Lee Kwong-yu
On February 9, 2026, the Hong Kong High Court delivered its sentencing in the national security and sedition cases HCCC 51/2022, HCCC 52/2022, and HCCC 147/2021 (joint hearing). Jimmy Lai was found guilty of conspiracy to publish seditious publications and two counts of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces to endanger national security and sentenced to a total of 20 years’ imprisonment, with 18 years to be served concurrently with the District Court's existing sentence. I firmly support the verdict and believe the sentence is lawful, reasonable, and well-founded. The ruling fully demonstrates our judicial justice and the authority of the rule of law.
Jimmy Lai's case underwent a 156-day public trial, during which the court examined 2,220 pieces of evidence and over 80,000 pages of documents and called 14 prosecution witnesses. The law fully protected Jimmy Lai, who personally appeared in court for 52 days to testify. Both the prosecution and the defense presented evidence, cross-examined witnesses, and made comprehensive arguments. The public fully disclosed the 855-page reasoning for the verdict. The entire trial was open to the public, media, and foreign consulates in Hong Kong, fully demonstrating judicial independence, procedural fairness, and common law protection, and refusing to allow any external forces to smear or politically manipulate the case. The court's actions during Jimmy Lai's trial and today's sentencing were entirely based on the facts and the law, undeterred by external pressure. The process was open and transparent, strictly adhering to the Basic Law and international human rights standards. Both sides presented evidence and testimony, ensuring the defendant enjoyed a fair trial and that the rule of law prevailed in Hong Kong.
According to Article 29 of the National Security Law, the crime of colluding with foreign forces is punished in two levels: serious offenses are punishable by imprisonment of 10 years or more to life imprisonment, while other offenses are punishable by imprisonment of 3 years or more but less than 10 years. The court determined that all nine defendants in this case had committed "serious offenses" and set a starting point of 10 years' imprisonment.
The verdict in this case fully demonstrates that Hong Kong society has returned to stability and the rule of law after the implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law. Jimmy Lai, through his media platform, colluded with external forces to interfere in Hong Kong and national affairs, spreading separatist rhetoric that seriously threatened national security and the "one country, two systems" principle. The court sentenced him according to law, finding him guilty of three counts carrying a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. This instance serves as a stern warning to any attempt to subvert state power. The Central Government and the Hong Kong SAR Government firmly pledge to protect national sovereignty, security, and development interests. The public should cherish the hard-won stability by supporting the SAR government so that Hong Kong can focus on economic and livelihood development and prevent external interference from undermining prosperity and stability again.
The views do not necessarily reflect those of DotDotNews.
Comment