DAB strongly condemns US Govt for meddling in the trial of Jimmy Lai

10 February 2026

The High Court yesterday delivered its verdict in the Jimmy Lai case based on facts and the law, despite external pressure — reaffirming Hong Kong's judicial fairness and rule of law. In response to attempts by the US and other Western countries to slander Hong Kong's legal system and interfere in China's internal affairs, DAB Vice-chairpersons Chan Yung, and LegCo Members visited the US Consulate today to express strong condemnation.

The case underwent a 156‑day open trial and an 855‑page judgment, with full legal safeguards for the defendant. The DAB firmly supports the independent adjudication of Hong Kong courts, free from external interference — a core value under "One Country, Two Systems." No foreign government or politician should slander Hong Kong's judicial proceedings.

Jimmy Lai pleaded not guilty and sought sympathy by highlighting his age, health conditions, and prolonged solitary confinement. The court, however, unequivocally identified him as the mastermind behind a conspiracy to collude with foreign forces — having funded and supported organisations engaged in international lobbying activities, seeking external sanctions against China and Hong Kong SAR. He also used his media platforms systematically to incite hatred against the central and SAR governments, and to fuel illegal resistance and violence in Hong Kong society. The evidence against him is strong and his 20‑year sentence is a just and lawful outcome that upholds national sovereignty, security, and development interests. The so‑called humanitarian concerns raised by the US and other Western powers simply do not apply to Lai.

The US and other Western powers apply national security laws at home with great severity, yet condemn similar measures in Hong Kong, while colluding with fugitives who fled abroad. Such double standards reveal a clear intention to interfere.

We call on these forces to stop meddling in China's internal affairs and Hong Kong's judicial independence. External pressure cannot undermine Hong Kong's resolve or alter its path forward. With the National Security Law, Hong Kong is strengthening the rule of law and charting a future of stability and progress.