The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government on Wednesday vehemently opposed and strongly condemned a resolution by the European Parliament regarding the city, accusing the body of making baseless allegations and smearing its national security laws.
A government spokesman said the resolution disregarded the profound historical significance and positive impact of the Hong Kong National Security Law and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance. He described it as "despicable political manipulation" and "shameless 'double standards'," noting the parliament remained silent on other countries' strict enforcement of similar laws.
The spokesman defended the conviction in the Lai Chee-ying case, stating the court's 855-page verdict was made strictly on facts and evidence without any political considerations. He emphasized the case had nothing to do with press freedom, asserting that the defendants used journalism as a guise for harmful activities, and that Lai was an agent of external anti-China forces.
Regarding Lai's treatment in custody, the spokesman said the Correctional Services Department provides him with adequate and comprehensive medical care, a fact confirmed by Lai's own senior counsel in court hearings. He urged the European Parliament to understand the facts and reiterated the government's commitment to implementing national security laws while upholding residents' rights.
