Opening remarks by S for S at media session on sentencing of Lai Chee-ying's case (with video)
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Today (February 9), the court handed down the sentence of the Lai Chee-ying case.
Key points of sentencing
Given the grave nature of the case, his total sentence is 20 years' imprisonment. As for the eight other defendants, their imprisonment sentences range from six years three months to 10 years.
Reasons for sentence
The court pointed out that Lai Chee-ying was the mastermind and driving force of the case. He has colluded with foreign forces to beg for sanctions against his country.
- The court has emphasised that Lai Chee-ying had harboured his resentment and hatred of China for years. His only intent was to seek the downfall of the Chinese Communist Party, even though the ultimate cost would be the sacrifice of the people of China and that of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).
- The court held that the offence of "conspiracy to print, publish, sell, offer for sale, distribute, display and/or reproduce seditious publications" in this case fell within the most serious category of its type, and the two offences of "conspiracy to commit collusion with a foreign country or with external elements to endanger national security" fell within the category of offences of a grave nature.
- As the court pointed out in the reasons for the sentence, these offences took place at a time when Hong Kong had hardly recovered from the social turmoil caused by the "black-clad violence". The conspiracies were meticulously planned, involved multiple parties, and were clearly premeditated. Even after the enactment of the Hong Kong National Security Law, the defendants continued with their crimes for some time until after they were arrested by the Police. In fact, the sanctions imposed by foreign countries against the HKSAR, as well as against officials of China and the HKSAR have not been removed even up to today. The court clearly identified Lai Chee-ying as the mastermind behind these conspiracies, and therefore enhanced the starting point for his sentence.
The heavy sentence clearly reflects the very serious nature of the offences committed by Lai Chee-ying.
The court's judgment illustrates that the rule of law in Hong Kong is robust. Criminal acts will never be tolerated. No one is above the law.
Notwithstanding the punishment, irreparable harm has already been inflicted on our society.
Over the years, Lai Chee-ying and his syndicate have misled people with fake news and false information.
Under Lai Chee-ying's control, Apple Daily, together with the external forces he colluded with, have poisoned young people by inciting hatred and glorifying violence, and driven Hong Kong into a state of frenzied radicalism during "black-clad violence". It was a time when humanity was at stake.
We still remember young people blocking roads, storming the LegCo (Legislative Council) building, and even beating up and setting on fire fellow citizens who held different views. Some even plotted terrorist activities to kill police officers and bomb hospitals.
It was fortunate that the Police had cracked down on these plots in time to prevent mass casualties and serious damages. But young people behind these terrorist activities had to face punishment by law.
Rebuttal of smearing comments
While our court has ruled independently and strictly in accordance with the law, external forces chose to ignore the facts, and criticise the case as a so-called "political prosecution".
Let me stress once again that the reasons for the verdict and reasons for the sentence handed down fully demonstrate that the court has arrived at the judgment in strict accordance with the law and the evidence.
As highlighted by the Chief Justice earlier, the courts in Hong Kong concern themselves only with the law and the evidence, not with any underlying matters of political, policies or other non-legal considerations.
Any suggestion that certain individuals should be immune from legal consequences for their illegal acts is no different from advocating a special privilege to break the law, and this totally runs contrary to the spirit of the rule of law.
The Lai Chee-ying case also has nothing to do with freedom of the press. If anything, the defendants have used journalism as a guise to harm our country and Hong Kong over the years. Thanks to the public trial, it is for all to see clearly how Lai Chee-ying has used Apple Daily to betray our country and our people.
Moreover, external forces have fabricated facts that Lai Chee-ying had been unhealthy and ill-treated in prison, portraying him as a victim in an attempt to press for his unconditional release. But these claims are simply false.
Even Lai Chee-ying's own legal representative has clarified time and again that Lai Chee-ying has been receiving suitable treatment and care in prison with no complaints.
As regards the concern about Lai Chee-ying's removal from association from other persons in custody, or the so-called "solitary confinement", we have also repeated again and again that the arrangement has been made at Lai Chee-ying's own request.
Staying on guard against national security risks
Although Lai Chee-ying and other defendants will face legal sanctions they deserve, we must not overlook the national security risks the HKSAR is still facing from hostile external forces, and anti-China and destabilising elements absconded overseas.
The HKSAR Government will not watch with folded arms any acts that endanger our national security. We will pursue offenders vigorously regardless of distance until justice is done. We will refute baseless allegations and smearing resolutely by presenting the truth and facts for all to see. We will step up national security education to help our citizens better understand, and do their part in our combat against national security risks.
Closing remarks
Lastly, my heartfelt gratitude to the Judiciary, the Department of Justice, the Hong Kong Police Force, the Correctional Services Department, and all parties concerned for doing their part in bringing Lai Chee-ying and his syndicate to justice. I must also thank our fellow citizens for their support and for standing firm even in challenging times.
The HKSAR Government will continue to unwaveringly and fearlessly prevent, suppress and punish acts and activities that endanger our national security in accordance with the law.
Thank you.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the opening remarks.)
Ends/Monday, February 9, 2026
Issued at HKT 19:44
Issued at HKT 19:44
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Audio / Video
S for S meets the media on sentencing of Lai Chee-ying's case