Photo shows the building of the Office of the Commissioner of the Chinese Foreign Ministry in HKSAR on March. 21, 2017. (Photo: Xinhua)

After Hong Kong's High Court, in accordance with the law, convicted Jimmy Lai of two charges of conspiracy to collude with external forces to endanger national security and one charge of conspiracy to publish seditious publications, the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the HKSAR published an article titled "a letter to foreign media based in Hong Kong: facts and truths about the Jimmy Lai case," providing foreign media organizations in Hong Kong with a detailed account of the facts and realities of the case.

Was Jimmy Lai convicted because of "press freedom"? 

In fact, Jimmy Lai was not prosecuted for news reporting or expressing opinions through media outlets under his control. The crux of the prosecution's case was his collusion with foreign forces to endanger national security. 

Lai habitually cloaked himself in the guise of a "journalist," but in substance he was a key planner and participant in a series of anti-China and destabilizing activities in Hong Kong, and a pawn of external anti-China forces. He abused media platforms to incite hatred, intensify confrontation, and mobilize support for violent activities, serving as a behind-of-scene culprit of the 2019 Hong Kong riots. He openly called for foreign sanctions against China and the HKSAR, and even clamored to "fight for the US." In any legal system around the world, Lai's conduct would constitute serious criminal offenses.

Was there judicial injustice in the Jimmy Lai case?

In fact, Hong Kong is a society governed by the rule of law, where laws are enforced and violations are punished. The trial of the Jimmy Lai case was conducted openly and transparently, with fair and just procedures. All of Lai's lawful rights were effectively safeguarded, and both the prosecution and the defense fully presented and challenged evidence.

Hong Kong's judiciary exercises its adjudicative power independently, free from any interference. During the trial, large numbers of members of the public, media representatives, and foreign consular officials based in Hong Kong attended the hearings. Any objective and fair-minded observer would recognize the impartiality and professionalism of Hong Kong's courts. The provisions of the National Security Law for Hong Kong regarding juries, designated judges, and bail are reasonable, lawful, and proper, fully demonstrating the authority of the law and Hong Kong's sound rule-of-law environment.

Did Jimmy Lai suffer inhumane treatment while in custody?

In fact, Lai's lawful rights have been fully protected and his physical condition remains good. The HKSAR government has, in accordance with the law, provided him with a safe, humane, appropriate, and healthy custodial environment. Hong Kong's medical services are world-renowned, and correctional institutions are well equipped with medical facilities and regular health check-ups. Should Lai experience any physical discomfort during incarceration, he would receive timely, comprehensive, and appropriate medical treatment. Lai's defense counsel confirmed in court that he had not been subjected to unfair treatment. At the time of the verdict, Lai walked normally without assistance and appeared to be in overall good condition.

As for claims that Lai was placed in solitary confinement, this arrangement was made by the Correctional Services Department in accordance with the law and at Lai's own request. Allegations of "prejudgment" or "excessive pretrial detention" are also unfounded. Lai had previously been sentenced to 17 months and five years and nine months, respectively, for offenses including unauthorized assembly and fraud, and was already serving those sentences. There were also media claims that Lai was barred from receiving Holy Communion in prison; in fact, he was aware that arrangements could be made but did not make such a request.

A spokesperson for the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the HKSAR emphasized that some Western politicians have clamored for Lai's release and even threatened so-called "sanctions" against HKSAR judges and prosecutors who are performing their duties, attempting to use political pressure to influence judicial decisions. Such actions openly trample on the spirit of the rule of law and fully expose their hypocrisy and double standards. China firmly opposes this.

The media serve as a bridge for enhancing understanding and connecting people. It is hoped that foreign media friends based in Hong Kong will uphold objective, fair, and professional journalistic ethics, not be blinded by prejudice or misled by falsehoods. We urge you to gain a thorough understanding of the legal basis and factual context of the Jimmy Lai case, and to present to the world a true picture of Hong Kong as a city governed by the rule of law and enjoying stability, the spokesperson said.

Global Times