🏛️ On Monday, the High Court of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) delivered a landmark verdict: media tycoon Jimmy Lai Chee-ying was found guilty of violating the National Security Law for Hong Kong. The court convicted him on multiple counts, including two counts of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces.
According to the ruling, Lai was a primary planner of “anti-China activities” and acted as a “proxy” for external anti-China forces. Prosecutors said he played a leading role in the so-called “legislative amendment turmoil,” traveling to Western nations to lobby for sanctions against the Chinese mainland, manipulating media narratives, and funding anti-government activism.
The court also highlighted the escalation of “black-clad” violence during that period. Rioters allegedly smashed, looted, burned, and even killed, in acts described as “mutual destruction.” These extreme actions were said to expose serious security risks in the HKSAR and undermine the One Country, Two Systems principle.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Verdict: Guilty of National Security Law violations and collusion with foreign forces.
- Allegations: Planning anti-China activities, inciting riots, soliciting foreign sanctions.
- Impact: “Black-clad” violence seen as a threat to national sovereignty and unity.
As the ruling sets a precedent under the National Security Law for Hong Kong, it raises questions about the future of free press and political activism in the HKSAR. Stay tuned to see how this decision shapes the city’s landscape. 📜🔍
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
