Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Chief Executive John Lee affirmed the conviction of media figure Jimmy Lai on Monday, December 15, 2025, calling it a "victory for justice" that reinforces the city's legal framework. Lee stated Lai had systematically exploited media platforms to incite social discord and advocate foreign sanctions against the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong.
"The court's decision upholds our core values by making clear that national security cannot be compromised under any pretext," Lee emphasized during a press briefing. The ruling follows years of legal proceedings against Lai, who was accused of endangering national security through his publications and activism.
Legal experts note the case underscores HKSAR's commitment to implementing national security laws while balancing civil liberties. The verdict has drawn mixed reactions locally, with some residents expressing concerns about press freedom and others supporting the emphasis on social stability.
