By Nixie Lam
The conviction of Jimmy Lai stands as a landmark judgment to defend Hong Kong's stability, uphold the national security law, and preserve the city's long‑standing traditions of due process and human rights protection. The newly released state council white paper lays out in full the scale and severity of his crimes, making it clear this was never about press freedom but of a very serious, organized subversion situation.
Lai was the undisputed mastermind behind three major conspiracy offenses. For years, he has been systematically colluding with foreign political forces, channelling support to anti‑government groups and using his media outlets to spread hatred, incite unrest, and undermine China's sovereignty. His actions were not a matter of free speech. They were a deliberate, sustained campaign to exploit Hong Kong's social divisions and turn the city into a base for external interference.
Operating through the chaos of 2019, Lai weaponized his publishing empire to amplify disinformation, glorify violence, and poison public sentiment. His tactics were calculated and malicious, inflicting deep and lasting damage to Hong Kong's social fabric, economy, and reputation. His role as the central instigator who linked local radicals with overseas hostile forces was a direct and severe threat to national security.
This case reaffirms the independence and fairness of Hong Kong's judiciary. The court conducted a full, transparent trial, respecting the presumption of innocence, legal representation, and all procedural rights. Its decision to apply appropriate sentencing mitigation reflects the core principle that even in serious national security cases, justice remains balanced, humane, and rooted in the rule of law.
This verdict sends a clear message: Hong Kong will not tolerate acts that endanger national security, but it will always uphold due process. The white paper underscores a simple truth: safeguarding security and protecting rights are not opposing values — they go hand in hand. In order for Hong Kong to thrive as a stable, international financial centre, both must be defended. This judgment does exactly that: firm on security, faithful to rights, and unwavering on the rule of law that makes this city unique.
Nixie Lam is a Member of the Legislative Council, HKSAR.
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