HKSAR Government Condemns US Remarks on Lai Chee-ying Case, Demands Respect for Judicial Independence

HKSAR Government condemns and rejects US Department of State's interference with Hong Kong's judicial proceedings

​Regarding the erroneous remarks made by the United States Department of State's Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor today (February 8) regarding Lai Chee-ying's case concerning the Hong Kong National Security Law, openly exerting pressure to demand unconditional release of Lai Chee-ying, the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) condemned and rejected such act, and released a statement to clarify relevant issues to set the record straight.

A spokesman for the HKSAR Government pointed out that, "As the legal proceedings involving Lai Chee-ying are still ongoing, it is inappropriate for any person to comment on the details of the case. The HKSAR Government strongly urges any external forces to immediately stop interfering in the HKSAR's internal affairs and the independent exercise of judicial power by the courts of the HKSAR."

The HKSAR Government has emphasised time and again that all cases (including the case in question) are handled strictly on the basis of evidence and in accordance with the law. All defendants will receive fair trial strictly in accordance with laws applicable to Hong Kong (including the Hong Kong National Security Law) and as protected by the Basic Law and the Hong Kong Bill of Rights.

The spokesman stressed that, "Any attempt by any country, organisation, or individual to interfere with the judicial proceedings in the HKSAR by means of political power, thereby resulting in a defendant not being able to have a fair trial that one should receive, is a reprehensible act undermining the rule of law of Hong Kong and should be condemned."

"The HKSAR Government will continue to resolutely discharge the duty of safeguarding national security, prevent, suppress and punish in accordance with the law acts and activities endangering national security. At the same time, it will continue to safeguard the rights and freedoms enjoyed by Hong Kong people in accordance with the law."

Operational event at Ling Ao Nuclear Power Station

​The Nuclear Emergency Committee Office of the Guangdong Province notified the Security Bureau today (March 18) of an operational event at Ling Ao Nuclear Power Station (LNPS), a Security Bureau spokesperson said today.

Through a feedback review at LNPS, it was discovered that on November 27, 2024, during the replacement of the demineralizer in Unit 1's chemical and volume control system, the outlet isolation valve of the demineralizer was not closed as required. This resulted in a drop in the volume of certain liquids within the system. Station staff immediately halted the relevant operation, and the volume of the liquids promptly resumed normal. Throughout the above event, Unit 1 remained in a safe and stable condition, with all relevant parameters within normal ranges.

As this event holds certain reference and learning value, LNPS classified it as a Level 0 deviation on March 17, with a view to raising awareness among station staff and helping them learn from the experience. This deviation did not affect the safety of the Unit, the health of the workers, the nearby public or the environment. LNPS has reported the relevant situation to the nuclear safety regulatory authority and will strengthen experience feedback to ensure the safe and stable operation of its units.

The Daya Bay Nuclear Power Operations and Management Co Ltd has released the details of this event on its website (www.dnmc.com.cn) (Chinese only), which can be viewed in the "operational events" section under the "nuclear and radiation safety information" page of the website.