16/12/2025
*The International Youth Legal Exchange Federation (IYLEF) Fully Supports the Hong Kong High Court’s Lawful Verdict in the Jimmy Lai Case*
After a rigorous 156-day trial, the Hong Kong High Court convicted Jimmy Lai of two counts of “conspiracy to collude with foreign or external forces to endanger national security” and one count of “conspiracy to print, publish, and distribute seditious publications.” on 15 Dec 2025. The IYLEF fully supports the High Court’s lawful ruling and the pursuit of accountability for the individuals and companies involved. We believe this verdict demonstrates the effectiveness of the Hong Kong National Security Law and serves as a strong deterrent to potential “anti-China, destabilizing Hong Kong” elements.
Jimmy Lai has long been a chief orchestrator of anti-China activities, persistently colluding with external forces, calling on foreign governments to interfere in Hong Kong affairs and sanction China, while using media platforms to spread biased reports, incite social division, and glorify violence—seriously jeopardizing national security and Hong Kong’s prosperity and stability. During the period of violent unrest, Lai and his media outlets recklessly hyped up events, fueling numerous violent incidents that paralyzed transportation, damaged public property, led to assaults on police officers, and inflicted suffering on Hong Kong citizens, causing economic stagnation and deep social rifts.
Today, under the protection of the National Security Law, Hong Kong’s social order has not only been restored, but governance has improved and prosperity revived. More importantly, the malicious acts of anti-China forces have received the judgment and punishment they deserve. Although certain individuals in the UK and US continue to question the fairness of the verdict, the objective facts clearly uphold the spirit of the rule of law: this judgment followed a meticulous 156-day trial, during which the presiding judges thoroughly examined extensive evidence and heard arguments from both sides, fully reflecting Hong Kong’s judicial independence and adherence to due process, and highlighting the National Security Law’s core role in safeguarding national security and social stability.
Furthermore, we strongly refute the comments made by Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council regarding this case. The Council’s claims that the verdict “violates judicial justice” and its slander of the National Security Law as an “evil law” are baseless smears. The judicial process in the Jimmy Lai case strictly adhered to international standards, with open and transparent proceedings—far from the so-called “persecution.” Taiwan authorities’ rhetoric is steeped in political bias, exposing their true nature of “relying on foreign powers to seek independence” and attempting to manipulate international opinion through the Hong Kong issue. We condemn such actions and urge our compatriots in Taiwan to recognize the facts, reject political manipulation, and jointly promote peace and stability.
The IYLEF will continue to firmly uphold the Constitution of the People’s Republic of China, the Hong Kong Basic Law, and the Hong Kong National Security Law, safeguard the steady implementation of “One Country, Two Systems,” and, on the solid foundation of national rule of law, work together to open a new chapter of Hong Kong’s prosperity and development, contributing to the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
