The SAR Government today (16th) strongly condemned US and Western institutions and media, describing them as making “false statements” about Jimmy Lai’s case involving the Hong Kong National Security Law, smearing the SAR Government’s law enforcement and detention arrangements. The government spokesman strongly condemned the relevant forces for disregarding facts, maliciously smearing, and attempting to interfere with Hong Kong’s judicial independence. The spokesman pointed out that the so-called detention arrangement of Jimmy Lai’s “solitary confinement” was his own request and approved by the Correctional Services Department in accordance with the law. He criticized the relevant media for “turning a blind eye to the relevant facts and evidence and continuing their despicable political operations with ulterior motives”, and reiterated that “Jimmy Lai has been receiving appropriate treatment and treatment in prison.”
The Government strongly condemned the “ulterior motives” of the US and Western media
The government spokesman pointed out that Jimmy Lai’s case is still under trial, and the outside world should not make comments to interfere with the judiciary, otherwise it may constitute obstruction of judicial justice. However, some US and Western institutions and media ignored legal principles and continued to spread false statements about Jimmy Lai’s detention and treatment, and even tried to whitewash his behavior and openly put pressure on the court. The spokesman said, “US and Western organizations have chosen to turn a blind eye to the relevant facts and evidence and continue their despicable political operations with ulterior motives. The SAR government opposes this.”
“Solitary confinement” is groundless
In response to the outside world’s doubts about Jimmy Lai’s arrangements in prison, the Hong Kong government spokesman said: “The Correctional Services Department has adopted the same arrangements as other prisoners in handling Jimmy Lai’s related matters.” He added: “Jimmy Lai has always received appropriate treatment and treatment in prison. Western media have made false statements about his “solitary confinement”, reiterating that the relevant arrangements were proposed by Jimmy Lai himself and approved by the Correctional Services Department in accordance with the law.
The government stressed that the Correctional Services Department is committed to providing a safe and humane detention environment for all prisoners, including medical support and referral to public hospitals, and ensuring that their rights are protected through regular visits by Justices of the Peace.
The spokesman stressed: “The arrangement for Jimmy Lai to stop interacting with other prisoners has always been arranged in accordance with Jimmy Lai’s wishes and by the Correctional Services Department in accordance with the law after considering all relevant factors.” (Photo by Lu Yiming/File photo)
Strongly oppose any external forces interfering in the judicial process
The spokesperson finally reiterated that all cases in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (including the case of Jimmy Lai) are handled strictly based on evidence and in accordance with the law; the Department of Justice is responsible for criminal prosecutions under the protection of Article 63 of the Basic Law and is not subject to any interference. All defendants strictly follow the applicable laws of Hong Kong (including the Hong Kong National Security Law) and receive fair trials under the protection of the Basic Law and the Hong Kong Bill of Rights.
