The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today firmly rejected a so-called “hearing” held by politicians in the United States Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC) regarding the case of Lai Chee-ying, who was convicted of offences endangering national security.

The Hong Kong SAR Government strongly condemned the CECC for blatantly colluding with anti-China and destabilising elements, making false and smearing remarks, and once again introducing a so-called “bill” and “sanctions” to intimidate the Hong Kong SAR personnel who safeguard national security.

It pointed out that Western countries, including the US, maintain comprehensive national security legal frameworks. Yet, these countries and their politicians – including the CECC – display their hypocrisy and double standards by pointing fingers at the Hong Kong SAR’s efforts to safeguard national security.

Anyone who vilifies the rule of law and the human rights situation in the Hong Kong SAR by exploiting the Lai Chee-ying case is distorting the facts and reversing right and wrong, the Hong Kong SAR Government said. It added that their malicious intent is transparent and must be resolutely refuted to set the record straight.

The Hong Kong SAR Government emphasised that the Lai Chee-ying case has nothing to do with press freedom. Over the years, the defendants used journalism as a guise to create social conflicts, incite social antagonism and hatred, and glorify violence, bringing harm to the country and the city.

The public trial revealed Lai's close management and hands-on control of Apple Daily’s editorial direction. He also repeatedly colluded with foreign forces to beg for sanctions and engage in hostile activities against the central government and the Hong Kong SAR Government.

The court clearly stated that Lai's sole intent – before and after the implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law (HKNSL) – was to seek the downfall of the Communist Party of China, even though the ultimate cost was the sacrifice of the interests of the people of the People's Republic of China and the Hong Kong SAR.

Spanning 855 pages, the court's reasons for its verdict are fully open for public inspection. They detail the court's analysis of relevant legal principles and evidence, as well as the comprehensive grounds for convicting Lai and other defendants.

Lai chose not to appeal against his conviction or sentence.

The Hong Kong SAR Government stated that no matter how anti-China elements and politicians disguise their real agendas with sophistry and rhetoric, they can hardly whitewash the heinous crimes backed by overwhelming evidence. Any suggestion that certain individuals or organisations should be immune from legal consequences is equal to advocating special privileges to break the law, a notion that totally runs contrary to the spirit of the rule of law.

Regarding allegations about Lai’s health and custodial arrangements, the Hong Kong SAR Government noticed that certain individuals with ulterior motives have fabricated lies, stressing that facts speak louder than eloquence.

The Correctional Services Department (CSD) ensures that the custodial environment for persons-in-custody (PICs) is safe, humane, appropriate and healthy in accordance with the law. Measures include adequate lighting, good ventilation and appropriate and timely medical support.

All correctional institutions feature hospitals or sick bays staffed 24 hours a day by medical officers seconded from the Department of Health (DH) and correctional staff with professional nursing qualifications.

Medical specialists from the Hospital Authority and the DH visit correctional institutions regularly to provide PICs specialist consultation and treatment. In serious cases, PICs are transferred immediately to a public hospital.

The Hong Kong SAR Government asserted that the medical services received by Lai in custody are undoubtedly adequate and comprehensive. His senior counsel confirmed repeatedly that Lai had made no complaints about his treatment in custody, and the court affirmed in its sentencing remarks that the CSD has provided adequate medical attention.

The Hong Kong SAR Government strongly condemns the anti-China politicians for using the so-called “hearing” to intimidate national security officials with so-called “sanctions”. Such actions constitute a gross interference in China's internal affairs and Hong Kong affairs, seriously violating international law and the basic norms governing international relations.

It added that all relevant government officials are not intimidated and will continue to resolutely discharge their duties in safeguarding national security.

The Hong Kong SAR steadfastly safeguards national sovereignty, security and development interests, fully and faithfully upholding the top priority of the “one country, two systems” principle.

The Hong Kong SAR Government will continue to resolutely and fully implement the HKNSL, the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance and other relevant laws. It will effectively impose punishment for acts endangering national security in accordance with the law, whilst safeguarding the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong people, ensuring the steadfast and successful implementation of “one country, two systems”.