Chief Executive defended that China’s national security is above any ‘slogans’
The leader of the Hong Kong government said justice had been done to the former pro-democracy media mogul he accused of “glorifying violence”.
“Lai has long exploited his media outlet, Apple Daily, to deliberately foment social strife, incite division and hatred, glorify violence and openly call for foreign sanctions against China and Hong Kong,” John Lee Ka-chiu told reporters.
The court in the Chinese region today found Jimmy Lai guilty of the crime of “seditious publications” relating to 161 articles, including editorials signed with his name in Apple Daily, the pro-democracy newspaper he founded and which is currently banned.
Lai was also found guilty of collusion with foreign entities, also under the national security law imposed by Beijing in 2020 and revised in 2024, in response to the sometimes violent anti-government protests of 2019.
John Lee said the former tycoon “harmed the fundamental interests of the nation and the well-being of Hong Kong residents. His actions were shameful and his intentions malicious.”
During the trial, which began in December 2023, Jimmy Lai pleaded not guilty and stated that he had never advocated separatism or violent resistance. He also denied calling for Western sanctions against China and Hong Kong.
“Apple Daily’s core values are actually the core values of the Hong Kong people (…) [incluindo] the rule of law, freedom, the pursuit of democracy, freedom of expression, freedom of religion, freedom of assembly”, argued Lai.
The Chief Executive argued that China’s national security is above any ‘slogans’.
“The law never allows anyone – regardless of profession or origin – to openly harm their own country and fellow citizens in the name of human rights, democracy and freedom,” said John Lee.
The Government leader added that the Hong Kong High Court’s decision is supported by “irrefutable evidence”, but assured that the Government will carefully analyze the ruling before making further comments.
The court scheduled a hearing for January 12, lasting a maximum of four days, where the defense of Lai, 78, will be able to present any mitigating factors, before the sentence is known.
The three crimes of which the British citizen was found guilty could carry a sentence of life in prison.
Lai was tried by three judges, including Portuguese descendant Susana D’Almada Remedios, chosen by the Government to deal with cases linked to the national security law.
