Hong Kong sectors voice strong support for Jimmy Lai's sentence

HONG KONG -- Various sectors in Hong Kong have voiced firm support for the lawful sentence handed down to Jimmy Lai, describing the ruling as well-founded and proportionate. They emphasized that it strongly upholds national security and the authority of the rule of law.

The High Court of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region on Monday sentenced Lai, an instigator of anti-China riots in Hong Kong, to 20 years in prison. Lai was found guilty in December 2025 by the High Court of the HKSAR on two charges of conspiring to collude with external forces and a charge of conspiracy to publish seditious materials.

People in various sectors in Hong Kong believed that the judgment has removed obstacles and united strength for Hong Kong's advancement toward prosperity. It further consolidates the legal foundation for ensuring the steady and sustained progress of the practice of "one country, two systems."

In the reasons for the sentence, the court detailed its consideration of various sentencing factors. Regarding Lai's case, the court had previously conducted 156 days of public hearings, during which 2,220 exhibits and over 80,000 pages of documents were fully presented. Fourteen prosecution witnesses testified in court, and the criminal facts of Lai colluding with external forces to endanger national security were backed by irrefutable evidence.

Nick Chan Hiu-fung, a member of the Legislative Council of the HKSAR representing the legal sector, said that during the trial of Lai's case, proceedings were conducted openly, fairly, strictly in accordance with the law and regulations, and with rigorous attention to detail.

Three judges presided over the case, fully demonstrating the maturity of the HKSAR's judicial institutions in rendering judgments based on evidence and the law. Through this ruling, Chan added, the court signaled with clear legal consequences that abiding by the law is the bottom line, and that the bottom line of national security cannot be crossed.

The more than 150 days of hearings in the case revealed that Lai not only openly solicited external forces to intervene, but also supported and funded related organizations to carry out international lobbying, pleading for external forces to "sanction" China and the HKSAR.

Lai also manipulated media tools, wantonly inciting hatred in Hong Kong society against the central government and the HKSAR government, instigating Hong Kong people to engage in illegal resistance, and fomenting violence.

Sze Ching-lau, chairman of the Hong Kong Federation of Fujian Associations, said that the sentencing fully upheld the seriousness and authority of Hong Kong's rule of law. He described it as a victory for justice, the rule of law and public sentiment, and a heartening outcome that highlights fairness.

The Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions said that the sentencing precisely struck at acts of splitting the country and colluding with external forces. It fully aligns with the mainstream public opinion in Hong Kong that calls for criminals to be punished in accordance with the law.

After learning that Lai was sentenced to 20 years in prison, Ms. Wong, a Hong Kong resident, said that the sentencing was truly gratifying. "His next stop is prison."

People from various sectors have expressed that the sentence on Lai was not only a punishment for his personal crimes, but also a firm defense of the dignity of Hong Kong's rule of law and a strong reinforcement of the bottom line of national security.

The Hong Kong Coalition said that Lai's case was the first in Hong Kong involving the crime of collusion with external forces endangering national security under the national security law in Hong Kong. It emphasized that security is the prerequisite for development, and safeguarding national security is the responsibility and obligation of every resident in Hong Kong.

The coalition stressed that only by effectively safeguarding national security can Hong Kong's high-quality development be ensured, and the steady and sustained progress of the practice of "one country, two systems" be guaranteed.

The Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong said that the court's sentence on Lai was a just act in safeguarding national security. It will further protect national security, consolidate the foundation of Hong Kong's rule of law, and ensure the city's stability and prosperity.

The Business and Professionals Alliance for Hong Kong said that the lawful trial of Lai is a necessary measure to strengthen the defense line of national security. A high-level security environment is the cornerstone of Hong Kong's high-quality development. The severe punishment of acts endangering national security serves to foster a safer and more stable environment for investment and commerce in the city.