Opinion | Jimmy Lai ruling shows Hong Kong’s resolve to uphold the rule of law

On February 9, the rule of law and justice scored another victory in Hong Kong when a local court sentenced Jimmy Lai Chee-ying to 20 years in prison for violating the national security law. This sends a clear and resounding message to the world that Hong Kong is a society rigorously governed by law, and any lawbreakers will be brought to justice.

Lai reaped what he sowed. The evidence of his crimes is irrefutable. He relentlessly pushed for so-called international lobbying, went to great lengths to meet US politicians to plead for foreign sanctions against China and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. He even continued his anti-China activities after the Hong Kong national security law had come into effect.

He had not the least qualms about being called a traitor for openly declaring that he was fighting for the United States and inviting the US and other foreign forces to interfere in Hong Kong affairs. These were not isolated incidents but a true reflection of his numerous crimes endangering Hong Kong.

Lai’s trial has fully demonstrated the independence and fairness of Hong Kong’s judiciary. Since the trial began, the court examined 2,220 pieces of evidence, reviewed more than 80,000 pages of documents, heard testimonies from 14 prosecution witnesses and saw Lai himself testify for 52 days.

All along, the trial has been closely observed not only by Hong Kong people and the media but also by a number of foreign consular officials based in Hong Kong. The whole trial process remained free from any external pressure, was procedurally fair, factually clear and based on hard evidence. The verdict, delivered in strict accordance with the law, underscores the professionalism, transparency and impartiality of Hong Kong’s legal system.