By Julia Lau Man-kwan
"National Security" is something that every country and its citizens need to safeguard, and there is no compromise.
The Court of First Instance of the High Court handed down the judgment of Jimmy Lai along with 8 others on 10 Feb 2026. In my opinion, the 20-year sentence of Jimmy Lai cannot undo the harm he did to society and many people, including the young generation. Nevertheless, I respect the Court's decision and sentence in upholding the law and order for our society, demonstrating that any act endangering national security, regardless of any individual or groups will ultimately be subject to legal sanctions.
The case involves three serious charges, two of which concern conspiracy to collude with foreign or external forces to endanger national security. The Court determined that the offences were "serious in nature," and the sentence reflects the principle that punishment must be commensurate with culpability. It fully embodies the principles of adjudication and sentencing in strict accordance with the law.
For years, Jimmy Lai made use of the media platforms under his control and his social influence to disseminate biased and, at times, misleading information to the public, particularly targeting the younger generation. Through selective presentation of facts and distortion of the truth, he incited hostility and fueled division, causing serious harm to social order and stability. He was further found to have colluded with external forces in an attempt to interfere in Hong Kong's affairs through outside influence. Such actions undermined the overall interests of Hong Kong and were grave in nature with far-reaching consequences.
The judicial process was conducted fully in accordance with the rule of law. The proceedings before the Court of First Instance lasted 156 days of open hearings, during which extensive evidence and witness testimony were thoroughly examined. The verdict was reached on the basis of procedural fairness and evidence-based principles, reflecting judicial independence and professional judgement.
The judgment is not only a ruling on an individual case, but also an important milestone in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region's steadfast commitment to safeguarding national security and upholding the rule of law. It sends a clear message to society: the rule of law must not be undermined, and national security must not be challenged.
Julia Lau Man-kwan is a Member of the Legislative Council, HKSAR.
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