'His actions severely harmed Hong Kong...': China backs Jimmy Lai sentence, calls it lawful and just

Key Concepts

• National Security Law (NSL): Hong Kong’s legislation enacted in 2020 to criminalize secession, subversion, terrorism, and collusion with foreign forces.
• One Country, Two Systems: The constitutional principle governing Hong Kong, allowing it a degree of autonomy except in defense and foreign affairs.
• Collusion with Foreign Forces: A crime under the NSL, involving acts intended to interfere in Hong Kong’s internal affairs at the behest of foreign powers.
• Seditious Materials: Publications deemed to incite disaffection with the government or promote hostility between different groups.
• SAR: Special Administrative Region, referring to Hong Kong within the context of China’s governance structure.
• Mitigation: Factors presented in court to lessen the severity of a sentence.

Jimmy Lie Case: Detailed Account & Legal Justification

This statement details the sentencing of Jimmy Lie, founder of Apple Daily, and related individuals under Hong Kong’s National Security Law (NSL). The core argument presented is that Lie’s actions constituted severe threats to national security, challenged the “one country, two systems” principle, and necessitated a robust legal response. The speaker emphasizes the legitimacy and transparency of the judicial process.

Background & Charges

Jimmy Lie, a Chinese citizen (also holding British citizenship), was identified as a “primary mastermind and participant” in anti-China and destabilizing events in Hong Kong. He was sentenced on February 9th to 20 years in jail on charges of:

• Two counts of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces: This refers to actions taken to solicit external interference in Hong Kong’s internal affairs.
• One count of publishing seditious materials: Relating to content published in Apple Daily deemed to incite disaffection towards the government.

Lie was initially arrested in August 2020 and convicted last year, marking a nearly five-year legal saga. The 20-year sentence falls within the NSL’s penalty range of 10 years to life imprisonment for grave offenses.

Case Details & Sentencing Factors

The court enhanced Lie’s sentence due to his role as the “mastermind and driving force” behind the foreign collusion conspiracies. Lie maintained his innocence, claiming he was a political prisoner facing persecution from Beijing.

Five co-defendants received sentences ranging from six years and three months to seven years and three months, while three others were sentenced to 10 years. This disparity in sentencing highlights Article 33 of the NSL, which allows for reduced punishments for defendants who cooperate by exposing the criminal conduct of others.

The three companies associated with the offenses were each fined HK$3,450,000. Mitigation arguments presented by Lie, focusing on his age, illnesses, and solitary confinement, were deemed insufficient. The speaker stated that Lie had received appropriate medical treatment and that his solitary confinement was self-imposed through his own application to the correctional services department.

Justification of the Legal Process

The speaker strongly defends the legal process as “vigorous and transparent,” spanning five and a half years from Lie’s arrest to sentencing. Key details illustrating this include:

• 156 days of open court hearings.
• 52 days of self-representation by Lie.
• 2,200 pieces of exhibits.
• Over 60,000 pages of documentation.
• Testimony from 40 prosecution witnesses.

This exhaustive process is presented as evidence of adherence to strict criminal standards and a commitment to the rule of law. The speaker emphasizes that upholding the law and defending national security is “fair, reasonable, and legal” and “brooks no interference.”

External Criticism & Response

The sentencing has drawn criticism from global leaders, including US President Donald Trump and British Prime Minister Kier Starmer, highlighting concerns about a crackdown on national security in Hong Kong following the 2019 pro-democracy protests.

The speaker firmly rejects this criticism, stating that judicial cases are “purely internal affairs” of the Hong Kong SAR. They urge other countries to respect China’s sovereignty and Hong Kong’s rule of law, and to refrain from “irresponsible remarks” or interference.

Threats & Intimidation During the Trial

The speaker acknowledges that the prosecution team, judiciary officers, and others involved in the case faced “external sides and intimidation” during the trial. They equate such intimidation to bribery and corruption, stating that it has “absolutely no place in civilized societies governed by the rule of law.” The speaker expressed gratitude to the police colleagues involved in the case and encouraged them to continue their work diligently and without fear.

Future Prospects & Appeal Consideration

Responding to questions, the speaker indicated that the Department of Justice will discuss whether to appeal the sentences. They expressed a personal view that the sentences were “appropriate at this level” but acknowledged the need for internal deliberation. The speaker did not provide definitive answers regarding further prosecution of Apple Daily-related entities and staff, stating only that the matter would be considered.

Data & Statistics

• Sentence Length: Jimmy Lie – 20 years; Co-defendants – 6 years 3 months to 10 years; Companies – HK$3,450,000 fine each.
• Timeline: Arrest – August 2020; Sentencing – February 9th (spanning approximately 5.5 years).
• Evidence Volume: 2,200 exhibits, 60,000+ pages of documentation, 40 prosecution witnesses.

Conclusion

The statement presents the sentencing of Jimmy Lie as a necessary and legally justified response to actions that threatened Hong Kong’s national security and the “one country, two systems” framework. The speaker emphasizes the fairness and transparency of the judicial process, rejects external criticism as interference, and underscores the importance of upholding the rule of law. The case is framed as a demonstration of Hong Kong’s commitment to safeguarding national security and ensuring long-term stability and prosperity.