On Monday, the High Court of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region handed down a verdict finding Jimmy Lai Chee-ying guilty of violating the National Security Law for Hong Kong. The media magnate was convicted on two counts of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces.
According to court findings, Lai served as a primary planner of "anti-China activities" and acted as a "proxy" for external forces aiming to undermine the "One Country, Two Systems" principle. The ruling details alleged efforts by Lai to solicit sanctions against the Chinese mainland during visits to Western nations, manipulate media to incite public dissent, and provide financial support to anti-government activists.
The verdict also revisits the legislative amendment turmoil, during which "black-clad" protestors clashed with authorities. Court records describe incidents of vandalism, looting, arson and fatal violence — acts that, the ruling states, exposed serious national security risks in the HKSAR and challenged its sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity.
This ruling represents a high-profile application of Hong Kong’s National Security Law and underlines the HKSAR government's stance on activities deemed threatening to national security and public order.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
