HK's Jimmy Lai convicted in national security case

Hong Kong's High Court on Monday found Jimmy Lai Chee-ying, founder of the now-defunct tabloid Apple Daily, guilty of violating the Hong Kong SAR National Security Law, including on two counts of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces.

The central authorities, the special administrative region government, and several political heavyweights welcomed the verdict, adding that Lai's actions endangering national security, proved by irrefutable evidence, must face legal consequences.

The defendants included Lai and three companies — Apple Daily, Apple Daily Printing and Apple Daily Internet. All faced charges of conspiracy to publish seditious materials and conspiracy to collude with external forces. Lai faced a separate charge of conspiring to collude with external forces.

Lai was found guilty on all charges in the 855-page verdict returned on Monday by judges Esther Toh Lye-ping, Susana Maria D'Almada Remedios, and Alex Lee Wan-tang.

The hearing started at 10 am and lasted about an hour, marking the end of a 156-day marathon trial that began on Dec 18, 2023. The prosecution completed its presentation of evidence in June 2024, while Lai finished giving his testimony in March this year.

The 78-year-old Lai was accused of utilizing his media outlets and online platforms to prompt international sanctions and incite public disaffection toward the authorities from April 2019 through June 2021, as well as offering financial support to an advocacy group to provoke hostile actions from Western powers.

The trial was the first under the Hong Kong SAR National Security Law for the offense of colluding with foreign forces. Those found guilty face a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

The hearing on mitigation submissions, expected to last four days, is scheduled to start on Jan 12.

In Beijing, Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said on Monday that the judicial authorities of the Hong Kong SAR have carried out their duties in strict accordance with the law, upholding its authority and safeguarding national security, which is an entirely justified, lawful and indisputable course of action.

Guo said that the central government firmly supports the SAR in lawfully preserving national security and punishing acts that endanger it.

Guo expressed strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition as he said certain countries have openly vilified and discredited Hong Kong's judiciary.

In a statement released after the verdict, the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council expressed its resolute support for the Hong Kong SAR's duty to safeguard national security, endorsing Lai's conviction.

According to the statement, extensive facts revealed during the trial proved that Lai's actions were detrimental to State security, identifying him as the "chief culprit" of past unrest and a "traitor" serving foreign interests.

"All people, including Hong Kong compatriots, are filled with righteous indignation and strongly demand his severe punishment in accordance with the law," the office said.

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu also welcomed the verdict.

Before departing for Beijing to deliver his annual duty report on Monday, Lee told reporters that Lai's actions had harmed the fundamental interests of the nation and the well-being of Hong Kong residents, and described his behavior as shameful and his intentions as malicious.

The law does not tolerate individuals of any background or profession publicly harming their own country and compatriots under the guise of human rights, democracy or freedom, he added, affirming that the SAR has a duty to safeguard national security and will resolutely fend off any actions or activities that endanger it.

Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee, convener of the Executive Council and the city's former security chief, said the verdict is not surprising given the undeniable evidence presented at the trial. She added that the case was conducted in a transparent, impartial and meticulous manner.

Contact the writers at zhangyi1@chinadaily.com.cn