On Monday, the Liaison Office of the Chinese Central People's Government in Hong Kong expressed its unequivocal support for the Hong Kong judicial authorities in convicting Jimmy Lai for colluding with foreign forces to endanger national security.
According to a statement by the office spokesperson, protecting national sovereignty, security and development interests is the highest principle of the „One Country, Two Systems“ model. The office supports the Hong Kong authorities in preventing, stopping and punishing crimes that threaten national security in accordance with the law.
Jimmy Lai's case is the first conviction in Hong Kong for collusion with external forces under the national security law. According to court evidence, Lai collaborated with foreign anti-China forces, sought foreign sanctions, and continued these activities even after the law came into effect.
The statement also strongly condemned external interference and denigration of Hong Kong's legal system and rejected attempts to portray the actors behind the anti-government unrest as „defenders of democracy“.
Since the introduction of the national security law, Hong Kong has managed to restore stability and ensure the smooth functioning of the „one country, two systems“ principle, the spokesperson added. The Hong Kong judiciary reportedly handled the case strictly in accordance with the law and showed zero tolerance for acts that threaten national security.
The Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the Communist Party of China also expressed its support for the HKSAR in connection with the verdict. In a statement on social media, the office described Lai as the chief planner and participant in a series of anti-China activities in Hong Kong, including efforts to instigate a „colour revolution.“.
According to the office, Lai's long-term collusion with foreign and external forces has seriously undermined the principles of „one country, two systems“, endangered national security, destabilised Hong Kong's prosperity and stability, and harmed the interests and well-being of its people.
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