The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today strongly disapproved of and rejected the slanderous remarks made by external forces, including anti-China media organisations, regarding Lai Chee-ying's case under the Hong Kong National Security Law (HKNSL) and the treatment provided to him during his custody.

It noted that their intention to smear and attack the Hong Kong SAR Government is blatantly obvious and must be sternly denounced to set the record straight.

The Hong Kong SAR Government has emphasised time and again that as the legal proceedings involving Lai Chee-ying are still ongoing, it is inappropriate for any person to comment on the details of the case in an attempt to interfere with the court to exercise judicial power independently, which might otherwise constitute perverting the course of justice.

However, external forces and anti-China media still continue to distort the truth, blatantly discredit the judicial system and trials of the Hong Kong SAR, in an attempt to glorify criminal behaviour and exert pressure on the courts of the Hong Kong SAR.

The Hong Kong SAR Government reiterated that the Correctional Services Department (CSD) attaches great importance to the safety and health of persons-in-custody (PICs). Regardless of the identities, ages and nationalities of PICs, the CSD is committed to ensuring that the custodial environment is secure, safe, humane, appropriate and healthy. If inmates require further examination and treatment, they will be referred to specialist medical staff or to public hospitals for further follow-up. The CSD has also put in place an established mechanism, including regular independent visitors - Justices of the Peace - who inspect the prisons to ensure the rights of PICs are protected. The CSD also adopts these arrangements when handling matters related to Lai Chee-ying, which are no different from those applicable to other PICs.

It also pointed out that Lai Chee-ying's legal representative has already made a clarification earlier that he has all along been receiving suitable treatment and care in prison. However, external forces choose to turn a blind eye to these facts and evidence, and carry on with their malicious political manoeuvres with ulterior motives. The Hong Kong SAR Government strongly opposes such actions.

In addition, it stressed that the arrangement for Lai Chee-ying's removal from association from other PICs has all along been made at his own request and approved by the CSD after considering all relevant factors in accordance with the law. The remarks by these external forces regarding Lai Chee-ying's solitary confinement are completely fact-twisting, reflecting a malicious intention to smear and attack the Hong Kong SAR Government.

The Hong Kong SAR Government also noted that all cases concerning the offence of endangering national security will be handled in a fair and timely manner by the law enforcement, prosecution and judicial authorities of the Hong Kong SAR as required by the HKNSL. The time taken between the institution of prosecution and the completion of trial of each case depends on a multitude of factors. The prosecution and defence will adhere to any direction given by the court to ensure a timely trial.

As regards the freedoms of the press and of speech, the Hong Kong SAR Government noted that the media landscape has been as vibrant as ever in the Hong Kong SAR since the implementation of the HKNSL and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance. However, freedom of the press and freedom of speech are not absolute. The media, like everyone else, have an obligation to abide by all the laws. As long as they are not in violation of the law, the media continue to enjoy the freedom to comment on and criticise government policies without any restriction.

In recent cases, the court cited judicial precedents from the European Court of Human Rights regarding freedom of the press, pointing out that the European Convention on Human Rights does not guarantee a wholly unrestricted freedom of speech even with respect to press coverage on matters of serious public concern. The most crucial point is that journalists must act in good faith and on accurate factual basis and provide reliable and precise information in accordance with the tenets of 'responsible journalism' in order to enjoy the protection of their rights to freedom of speech and press freedom.

The Hong Kong SAR Government emphasised it will continue to resolutely discharge the responsibility of safeguarding national security, effectively prevent, suppress and impose punishment for acts and activities that endanger national security in accordance with the law, and safeguard the rights and freedoms enjoyed by Hong Kong people in accordance with the law at the same time.