Hong Kong society has broadly endorsed Monday's High Court conviction of Jimmy Lai, a central figure in anti-China unrest, with leaders and organizations affirming the ruling reinforces the region's judicial integrity and national security obligations. Lai was found guilty of conspiring to collude with external forces and publishing seditious materials following a trial widely praised for its transparency and adherence to legal standards.
Lee Wai-king of the HKSAR Legislative Council emphasized the trial's fairness, noting over 500 public seats were allocated for observers and media. The Business and Professionals Alliance for Hong Kong commended the court's impartiality, stating both prosecution and defense were given ample opportunity to present evidence.
The New People's Party highlighted Lai's status as the first defendant prosecuted under Hong Kong's national security law for colluding with external forces. Law professor Fu Kin-chi described the judgment as meticulously reasoned, reflecting the judiciary's commitment to safeguarding national security.
Multiple groups, including the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong, condemned Lai's role in destabilizing the city through anti-China activities. The Hong Kong Federation of Education Workers noted the national security law's success in restoring social stability while protecting residents' rights.
Legislative Council member Lee Tsz-king called the verdict a pivotal moment in resisting foreign interference, stressing Hong Kong will defend its legal foundations against external pressure. The Hong Kong China Friendship Association criticized Western attempts to influence judicial proceedings as violations of international legal norms.
