HKFJ Firmly Supports the High Court's Verdict on Jimmy Lai

2025-12-15 23:01 Last Updated At：23:15

The High Court of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) delivered its verdict on the 15th, finding Jimmy Lai, founder of Next Digital, guilty of two counts of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and one count of conspiracy to publish seditious publications. This ruling was made by the judiciary in accordance with the law, justly and openly, fully embodies the spirit of the rule of law in Hong Kong and effectively safeguards national security in the region, which has been widely applauded by the Hong Kong public. The Hong Kong Federation of Journalists (HKFJ) firmly supports the High Court's verdict and stands resolutely behind the HKSAR in fulfilling its constitutional responsibility to safeguard national security.

It is, however, utterly disgraceful that the Hong Kong Journalists Association (HKJA) has brazenly stepped forward to smear the court's ruling, colluding in bad faith with anti-China forces overseas. The HKJA's fallacious arguments completely disregard facts and truth, deliberately blur the boundaries of the law, defend the ringleader of illegal acts that endanger national security, constitute a gross trampling on the rule of law in Hong Kong, and are a blatant defamation of press freedom in the region. The HKFJ expresses its strongest condemnation and resolute opposition to such acts.

Jimmy Lai's crimes are backed by irrefutable evidence and are too numerous to record. A wealth of evidence and facts presented during the trial have exposed that Jimmy Lai colluded with external forces, acted as the mastermind behind the "color revolution" in Hong Kong, plotted a series of anti-China and destabilizing activities in the region, and begged foreign countries to impose sanctions against China and Hong Kong. As the acknowledged mastermind of these cases, he long manipulated media outlets such as Apple Daily to serve as a platform for organizing and mobilizing anti-China and destabilizing forces in Hong Kong, wantonly creating and spreading rumors, inciting divisions, stirring up hatred, advocating violence, and leaving an indelible pain on the Hong Kong public. He has been loathed by the Hong Kong society and the journalism industry as the "poisonous apple". Even after the implementation of the Law of the People's Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (the National Security Law for Hong Kong), he still refused to desist and continued to engage in acts and activities that endanger national security. No matter what pretexts Jimmy Lai may use, he cannot conceal his role as a puppet and lackey of external forces, and he will never escape the severe legal sanctions that await him.

Turning a blind eye to all the above facts, the HKJA has instead viciously attacked the court's verdict, placing itself completely in opposition to the rule of law in Hong Kong and the overwhelming majority of the Hong Kong public. Having abandoned journalistic ethics and crossed professional bottom lines, the HKJA has repeatedly launched unreasonable attacks against the National Security Law for Hong Kong, publicly slandered the laws of the HKSAR, and shielded the illegal and violent acts of rioters. It has long degenerated into a tool for external forces to destabilize Hong Kong, fully revealing its true colors of using the so-called "press freedom" to undermine the stability of the region.

It must be solemnly pointed out that the rule of law is a core value of Hong Kong society, and press freedom has never been an unrestricted "privilege", let alone a "shield" for illegal and criminal activities. Since Hong Kong's return to the motherland, the practice of "One Country, Two Systems" has achieved universally recognized success, which is an undeniable fact. Since the implementation of the National Security Law for Hong Kong, press freedom in Hong Kong has been better protected in a safe, stable and law-based environment. The verdict in Jimmy Lai's case not only does not undermine press freedom in Hong Kong, but also strengthens the legal bottom line for the healthy development of the journalism industry.

The HKFJ firmly supports the HKSAR Government and judicial authorities in performing their duties to safeguard national security in accordance with the law, and is resolute in upholding the authority of the National Security Law for Hong Kong. We demand that the HKJA immediately cease its attacks on the rule of law in Hong Kong, stop smearing press freedom in the region at once, and abandon its attempts to collude with external forces without delay. Any act that endangers national security and undermines social stability in the name of "press freedom" shall surely be subject to legal sanctions.

Kai Tak Sports Park Holds Flag-raising Ceremony in Celebration of the 29th Anniversary of the Establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region

To celebrate the 29th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), the Kai Tak Sports Park (KTSP) will host a grand Flag-raising Ceremony at the Central Square on Wednesday, 1 July. Distinguished guests from the political and business sectors, as well as community leaders will be invited to attend the ceremony. A public viewing area will also be available, and members of the public are warmly invited to witness this solemn occasion and celebrate Hong Kong’s return to the Motherland together. On the same day, KTSP will also present a vibrant line-up of sports experience workshops, allowing the public to enjoy the fun of sports and celebrate this meaningful day in a joyful atmosphere.

KTSP Celebrates Milestone with Inaugural HKSAR Anniversary Flag-Raising Ceremony

The year 2026 marks the 29th anniversary of the establishment of the HKSAR and coincides with the opening year of the National 15th Five-Year Plan – a year of profound significance. To commemorate this momentous occasion, for the first time since its opening, KTSP is hosting the Flag-raising Ceremony on 1 July. Through this solemn ceremony, members of the public are invited to jointly witness the development journey of both the country and Hong Kong, thereby further strengthening their sense of identity and belonging while bringing various sectors of the community together in a spirit of unity to celebrate the handover anniversary in a joyful festive atmosphere.

The Flag-raising Ceremony will take place at 10:45 am at the Central Square of KTSP. The national flag and regional flag will be raised by the Hong Kong Army Cadets Flag Guard, while students from Po Leung Kuk Lam Man Chan English Primary School will perform the national anthem.

In addition to witnessing the Ceremony from the public viewing area, members of the public are invited to take part in a variety of sports experience workshops set up at the Central Square free of charge. Activities include fencing, tennis, karate, volleyball and fascia stretching stick exercises. These engaging experiences provide an opportunity for the community to come together in celebration of the 29th anniversary of the establishment of the HKSAR.

Kai Tak Mall Special Promotions for the Celebration

To share the joy with the public, Kai Tak Mall will launch the “7.1 Celebration Bonus Reward” promotion. From 1 to 14 July 2026, “Friends of KTSP” members who accumulate same-day electronic spending of HK$300 or more at designated merchants can redeem a HK$30 dining e-coupon. Redemption is available on a first-come, first-served basis while quotas last. In addition, customers who accumulate same-day electronic spending of HK$100 or above at Kai Tak Mall from now until 20 July can enjoy complimentary parking at the Kai Tak Stadium Carpark from 8:00am to 1:00pm on the same day.

The Mall will also continue its ticket stub promotion. By presenting a valid event ticket, visitors can enjoy exclusive dining and shopping privileges at participating merchants during designated periods. For more details, please visit the KTSP website, mobile app, or enquire with participating merchants.

Details of KTSP Flag-Raising Ceremony for the 29th Anniversary of the Establishment of the HKSAR cum Sports Experience Workshop:

Date: 1 July 2026 (Wednesday)

Time: 10:45 am - Flag-raising Ceremony

12:00 noon to 4:00 pm - Sports Experience Workshop

Venue: Flag-raising Ceremony (Public Viewing Area) - Central Square

Sports Experience Workshop - Central Square (near Gate F of the Kai Tak Stadium)

Admission: Free of charge

*Members must redeem the offer between 10:00 am and 10:00 pm on the same day. Spend HK$150 or more at designated dining merchants in Kai Tak Mall to enjoy a HK$30 discount upon presenting the e-coupon. Terms and conditions apply.

^Customers must redeem the offer between 10:00 am and 10:00 pm on the same day and may enjoy up to 5 hours of free parking. This offer is not applicable on major event days or specific dates (including 27 to 28 June and 10 to 12 July).

**All the above activities and offers are subject to terms and conditions. Promotions are available while stocks last and on a first-come, first-served basis.

HKFJ Firmly Supports the High Court's Verdict on Jimmy Lai

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