The Liaison Office of the Chinese Central People's Government in Hong Kong has expressed firm support for Monday's conviction of media tycoon Jimmy Lai under the city's national security law. A spokesperson stated the ruling demonstrates Hong Kong's commitment to safeguarding national sovereignty through judicial independence.
"This landmark case marks the first conviction for collusion with external forces under the security legislation," the spokesperson noted, emphasizing that evidence showed Lai had "conspired with overseas anti-China forces" to seek foreign sanctions against Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland.
The office condemned what it called "external interference" in Hong Kong's legal affairs, rejecting attempts to portray those involved in anti-government protests as democracy advocates. "The national security law has restored stability while preserving the 'One Country, Two Systems' principle," the statement read.
Since the law's implementation in 2020, authorities have prosecuted 14 national security cases with 29 convictions, according to official data. Legal experts suggest this ruling reinforces Beijing's stance on maintaining social order while international observers continue debating its impact on Hong Kong's judicial autonomy.
