The Hong Kong government on Thursday condemned what it described as a “smear” by foreign ministers of the G7 member states and the European Union’s High Representative following the court’s conviction judgment in the case of Jimmy Lai Chee-ying.
In a statement issued on December 18, a government spokesman said every country enacts laws to safeguard national security, describing this as both an inherent right of sovereign states under the United Nations Charter and an established international practice.
The spokesman pointed out that the countries concerned have enacted their own legislation to counter collusion with foreign forces, citing the United Kingdom’s National Security Act 2023, the United States’ Foreign Agents Registration Act, and Canada’s Countering Foreign Interference Act.
According to the spokesman, these countries were attempting to whitewash Lai’s acts of collusion with foreign or external forces, while stressing that “Lai Chee-ying’s case has nothing to do with freedom of the press at all.”
The statement said Lai had used journalism as a cover to engage in acts that harmed the country and Hong Kong, adding that the public trial revealed his close management and hands-on control over the editorial direction of Apple Daily. One senior staff member was cited as having described the newsroom situation as freedom within a “bird cage.”
The spokesman noted that under principles established by Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the European Convention on Human Rights, and relevant jurisprudence, the media and journalists are required to observe “special duties and responsibilities,” including safeguarding national security and public order.
The statement further alleged that Lai had repeatedly and personally colluded with foreign forces, including requesting sanctions and hostile actions against the central authorities and the Hong Kong government.
The government reiterated that Hong Kong residents enjoy freedom of the press and freedom of speech as protected by the Basic Law and the Hong Kong Bill of Rights.
It also urged the countries concerned to immediately stop interfering in Hong Kong affairs, which it described as purely China’s internal matters.
The government said it would continue to resolutely perform its duties to safeguard national security.
