Hong Kong Legal Body Head Says Jimmy Lai Must Face Punishment for Endangering National Security
Senior legal figure backs court conviction of media tycoon and stresses rule of law and stability under the National Security Law
The head of a prominent legal association in Hong Kong has publicly stated that Jimmy Lai Chee-ying must be punished for actions that endangered national security, reinforcing the government’s stance ahead of his impending sentencing.
Peter Wong Kit-hin, chief of the Hong Kong Legal Professionals Association, said in a statement that the court’s conviction of Lai — the founder of the now-defunct Apple Daily newspaper — reflected careful judicial scrutiny and was essential to upholding the rule of law and the city’s stability.
Wong noted that Lai’s conduct, as determined by the High Court in December, involved long-term planning to coordinate with foreign forces against the central government and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, actions he characterised as harmful to both national security and Hong Kong’s prosperity and stability.
The comments come as Lai, 78, is scheduled to be sentenced on Monday after being found guilty on multiple counts, including conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and conspiracy to publish seditious materials under the National Security Law, offences that carry significant penalties.
Supporters of the law argue that strong enforcement and appropriate sentencing serve as a deterrent to others and are in line with legal obligations under the “one country, two systems” framework.
The position contrasts sharply with international calls for clemency and raised concerns over press freedom, but within Hong Kong legal and political circles, officials emphasise adherence to judicial process and safeguarding national security as paramount.
Peter Wong Kit-hin, chief of the Hong Kong Legal Professionals Association, said in a statement that the court’s conviction of Lai — the founder of the now-defunct Apple Daily newspaper — reflected careful judicial scrutiny and was essential to upholding the rule of law and the city’s stability.
Wong noted that Lai’s conduct, as determined by the High Court in December, involved long-term planning to coordinate with foreign forces against the central government and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, actions he characterised as harmful to both national security and Hong Kong’s prosperity and stability.
The comments come as Lai, 78, is scheduled to be sentenced on Monday after being found guilty on multiple counts, including conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and conspiracy to publish seditious materials under the National Security Law, offences that carry significant penalties.
Supporters of the law argue that strong enforcement and appropriate sentencing serve as a deterrent to others and are in line with legal obligations under the “one country, two systems” framework.
The position contrasts sharply with international calls for clemency and raised concerns over press freedom, but within Hong Kong legal and political circles, officials emphasise adherence to judicial process and safeguarding national security as paramount.
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