Hong kong: Jimmy Lai, identified as a key figure in instigating anti-China riots in Hong Kong, was found guilty on Monday of two charges of conspiring to collude with external forces and a charge of conspiracy to publish seditious materials. The verdict was delivered by the High Court of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), targeting Lai and three companies linked to the defunct Apple Daily.
According to Namibia Press Agency, the entities involved in the case-Lai, Apple Daily Limited, Apple Daily Printing Limited, and Apple Daily Internet Limited-were charged with conspiracy to publish seditious materials and conspiracy to collude with external forces. Additionally, Lai faced a separate charge related to collusion with external forces.
The trial began on December 18, 2023, overseen by three judges appointed under the national security law in Hong Kong. The prosecution concluded its evidence presentation on June 11, 2024, leading to a court ruling on July 25 that all charges were substantiated. Lai testified from November 20, 2024, to March 2025, with closing arguments taking place from August 18 to August 28.
The Hong Kong Police Force announced that the three charges against Lai were substantiated by evidence, involving over 2,220 exhibits examined during the judicial proceedings. To ensure transparency, the judiciary made over 400 seats available to the public at each court hearing.
In support of the verdict, a spokesperson from the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR highlighted that this is Hong Kong's first case involving charges of colluding with external forces under the national security law. The spokesperson emphasized that the law guarantees the continued success of "one country, two systems" and serves as a warning to anti-China elements in Hong Kong.
A spokesperson for the Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR expressed firm support for the judiciary's decision. They noted that safeguarding national security is a priority, and Lai's actions seriously endangered it, warranting severe punishment.
The spokesperson criticized western politicians and anti-China media outlets for allegedly smearing Hong Kong's rule of law and interfering in the judicial proceedings, labeling their actions as political manipulation with ulterior motives.
The HKSAR government spokesperson stated that the verdict is well-grounded and demonstrates the court's adherence to law and evidence. HKSAR Chief Executive John Lee commented that the verdict reflects legal justice and upholds the region's core values. Chris Tang Ping-keung, HKSAR's secretary for security, emphasized the government's commitment to safeguarding national security and bringing offenders to justice.