HKSAR Government Condemns European Parliament's Allegations Against Hong Kong National Security Law and Court Verdict

HKSAR Government vehemently opposes the so-called resolution of European Parliament

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government yesterday (January 22) vehemently opposed the so-called resolution adopted by the European Parliament against Hong Kong, and strongly condemned the Parliament for using the Lai Chee-ying case to make baseless allegations about Hong Kong and smear the Hong Kong National Security Law (HKNSL) and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (SNSO), so as to set the record straight.

A spokesman for the HKSAR Government said, "The European Parliament has made sweepingly generalised and grandstanding comments, completely disregarding the profound historical significance of the HKNSL and its undeniable positive impact on the HKSAR. It has rather distorted the facts and smeared the HKSAR and the HKNSL as well as other laws safeguarding national security in Hong Kong. On the contrary, they never utter a word about the strict enforcement of national security laws by other governments against activities that endanger their national security. This is an entirely despicable political manipulation, and we must sternly denounce wrongdoing of the European Parliament to set the record straight and to expose its shameless 'double standards' to the world."

"In addition, the European Parliament has entirely no respect for the HKSAR court's independent judgment of the Lai Chee-Ying case, which had been made on the basis of facts and evidence. They also refused to acknowledge the evidence set out in the reasons for verdict, and refused to understand the court's considerations and the reasons for verdict. Instead, they wantonly launched attacks, slandered and attacked the HKSAR Government. With the European Parliament distorting facts and confounding right and wrong, its malicious intentions are clearly revealed."

Positive effects of laws safeguarding national security of HKSAR

The spokesman emphasises, "Safeguarding national security is a top priority of every country. In accordance with international law and international relations based on the Charter of the United Nations, it is each and every sovereign state's inherent right to enact laws safeguarding national security, and it is also an international practice. Various countries in Europe have also enacted their own laws safeguarding national security. Acts and activities endangering national security could bring very serious consequences. No country will watch with folded arms and tolerate any of such acts and activities endangering national security without taking any action. Any acts of disregarding the facts and smearing HKSAR's work in safeguarding national security are hypocritical and irresponsible, and will not win any public support."

"For a considerable period, external forces, through their agents, have conducted infiltration and sabotage activities in Hong Kong, and further instigated the 'black-clad violence' and the Hong Kong version of 'colour revolution' in 2019, which nearly brought the 'one country, two systems' to ruin. With the promulgation and implementation of the HKNSL, its effect in stopping violence and curbing disorder as well as quickly restoring social stability in the Hong Kong community was immediate. The HKSAR fulfilled its constitutional duty by enacting the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (SNSO) in 2024 with broad societal consensus, thereby improving the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for safeguarding national security. This has enabled Hong Kong's transition 'from chaos to order' and advancement 'from stability to prosperity'."

"The attempts by external forces to 'use Hong Kong to contain China' are doomed to fail, leaving them with no option but to smear the HKNSL. However, the facts are clear for all to see, and both Hong Kong citizens and international investors have a discerning eye. Over five years of its implementation, the HKNSL has restored the rights and freedoms that Hong Kong citizens were unable to enjoy during the period of 'black-clad violence', and has enabled the livelihood and economic activities of the Hong Kong community at large to swiftly return to normal and the business environment to be restored and improved continuously. According to the World Competitiveness Yearbook 2025, Hong Kong's ranking improved by two places to third globally. Also, Hong Kong continues to rank among the top three international financial centres. These internationally recognised achievements are built upon the freedom and stability brought to Hong Kong society by the HKNSL, other relevant laws of the HKSAR, and the work of safeguarding national security."

Court's conviction verdict for the Lai Chee-Ying case was entirely free from any political considerations

"The court's reasons for verdict in the Lai Chee-ying case are 855 pages long, which are fully open for public inspection, and include the court's analysis of the relevant legal principles and evidence, as well as the reasons for convicting Lai Chee-ying and the three defendant companies in full detail. The court clearly pointed out in the reasons for verdict that Lai Chee-ying was not on trial for his political views or beliefs. The court's conviction verdict is well-founded and reasoned, fully demonstrating that the court has made its decision on the case strictly in accordance with the law and evidence, free from any interference, and absolutely free of any political considerations."

The spokesperson stressed, "Hong Kong is a society underpinned by the rule of law and has always adhered to the principle that laws must be obeyed and lawbreakers be held accountable. Article 5 of the HKNSL and section 2 of the SNSO clearly stipulate that the principle of the rule of law shall be adhered to in preventing, suppressing and imposing punishment for offences endangering national security. Any suggestion that certain individuals or organisations should be immune from legal consequences for their illegal acts is no different from advocating a special privilege to break the law, and this totally runs contrary to the spirit of the rule of law."

The Lai Chee-ying case has nothing to do with freedom of the press at all

The spokesperson emphasised, "The Lai Chee-ying case has nothing to do with freedom of the press at all. Over the years, the defendants have used journalism as a guise to commit acts that brought harm to our country and Hong Kong. Lai Chee-ying was fundamentally the mastermind behind a series of anti-China and destabilising activities in Hong Kong, and was no doubt an agent of external anti-China forces. The public trial of this case revealed Lai Chee-ying's close management and hands-on control of the editorial direction of Apple Daily, and one of the senior managers even said they were free within a 'bird cage'.

"Hong Kong citizens enjoy freedom of the press and freedom of speech as protected under the Basic Law and the Hong Kong Bill of Rights. In fact, the HKNSL and the SNSO clearly stipulate that human rights shall be respected and protected in safeguarding national security. The rights and freedoms, including the freedoms of the press, of speech and of publication, enjoyed by Hong Kong people under the Basic Law and the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights as applied to the HKSAR, are protected in accordance with the law. Similar to all other places in the world, journalists, just like other citizens, have an obligation to abide by all the laws. According o the principles established by Article 19 of the ICCPR, the European Convention on Human Rights and relevant jurisprudence, when the media and journalists publish opinions, information and articles, they must observe and discharge 'special duties and responsibilities', including protection of national security and public order. Journalists must, in accordance with the tenets of 'responsible journalism', act in good faith on accurate factual basis and provide reliable and precise information, so as to be entitled to the protection of freedom of speech and press freedom.

Lai Chee-ying's health has been properly cared for

The spokesperson said, "The Correctional Services Department (CSD) handles the custodial arrangements for Lai Chee-ying in the same way as other persons-in-custody (PICs). The CSD attaches great importance to the safety and health of PICs. Regardless of the identities, ages and nationalities of PICs, the CSD is committed to ensuring that the custodial environment is secure, safe, humane, appropriate and healthy, which includes appropriate and timely medical support.

"The medical services received by Lai Chee-ying in custody are adequate and comprehensive. All correctional institutions have hospitals or sick bays staffed 24 hours a day by Medical Officers seconded from the Department of Health (DH) and correctional staff with professional nursing qualifications. Medical specialists from the Hospital Authority and the DH will visit correctional institutions on a regular basis to provide PICs with specialist consultation and treatment. In serious cases, PICs will be transferred immediately to a public hospital for treatment.

"During the public court hearing in August 2025, the senior counsel representing Lai Chee-ying clearly presented to the court that Lai Chee-ying had all along been receiving appropriate treatment and care in prison. The correctional institutions had been arranging daily medical checkups for Lai Chee-ying and that there had been no complaints at all regarding the medical services he was receiving, and the Court also commended the CSD. In the open hearing on January 12, the senior counsel representing Lai Chee-ying once again confirmed that Lai Chee-ying had no complaint at all regarding his custodial arrangements.

The spokesman pointed out, "Anyone who vilify the rule of law and human rights situation in the HKSAR using this case is fact-twisting and has no integrity at all. The HKSAR Government strongly urges the European Parliament to understand the facts relating to the Lai Chee-ying case as soon as possible, and it is never too late to mend. The HKSAR Government will continue to resolutely, fully and faithfully implement the HKNSL, the SNSO and other relevant laws safeguarding national security in the HKSAR, to effectively prevent, suppress and impose punishment for acts and activities endangering national security in accordance with the law, whilst upholding the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong residents in accordance with the law, so as to ensure the steadfast and successful implementation of the principle of 'one country, two systems'."

Government responds to Coroner's verdict on death inquest for vessel collision incident near Lamma Island in 2012

The Coroner's Court today (January 22) finished reading the verdict on the cause of death of the passengers involved in the vessel collision incident near Lamma Island in 2012.

A Government spokesman said the Government respects the judgment of the Coroner's Court and would study the verdict carefully with serious follow-up. At the same time, the Government expresses its deepest condolences to the families. After the incident, the Government conducted two investigations, including the one conducted by the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) established in accordance with the Commission of Inquiry Ordinance and the internal investigation led by then-Transport and Housing Bureau (then-THB); and accepted the expert reports under various investigations.

The Transport and Logistics Bureau has all along been supervising the Marine Department (MD) in following up on the recommendations of the CoI and the experts, and in adopting a systemic approach for fully implementing five categories of measures to enhance marine safety and prevent the recurrence of similar incidents. Relevant measures include -

Enhancing safety standards onboard: including requiring all passenger vessels' watertight doors to be fitted with visual and audio alarms; specifying the requirements of watertight door warning markings; improving the labelling and placement of life jackets; and establishing standards for securing seats to the deck;

Improving plan approval and vessel survey standards: including the creation of a dedicated team for plan approval for local vessels; introduction of standardised procedures for vessel surveys and plan approvals; introduction of the tripartite Inspection and Test Plan Scheme (ITP) for high-risk vessels by requiring the shipyard, shipowner and the MD to reach a consensus on important test items and acceptance criteria to clarify any misunderstanding or ambiguity regarding design and regulatory requirements, thus ensuring a vessel's watertight integrity and compliance with regulatory and contractual requirements;

Promoting operational safety within the industry: including the introduction of the common life jacket for use by adults and children; the enactment of the Marine Safety (Alcohol and Drugs) Ordinance to regulate drink and drug boating; and the mandate of lookout arrangements onboard vessels;

Strengthening industry professionalism and promoting safety culture: including the introduction of the Fast Speed Passenger Vessel Endorsement regime to enhance coxswains' and engine operators' navigational skills and ability to handle emergency situations, as well as the introduction of the Local Safety Management System; and

Introducing systemic reform of the MD's management and regulatory regime: including strengthening professional development of MD officers; launching of the electronic vessel survey system and introducing the use of electronic certificates to enhance work efficiency and quality.

Please refer to the Annex for details of the relevant measures.

As for the responsibilities of the MD officers involved, the then-THB forwarded the internal investigation report (THB Report) to the Civil Service Bureau (CSB) for follow-up, and the CSB has, in accordance with the recommendations in the THB Report and the legal advice from the Department of Justice, took actions according to the disciplinary procedures and finished following up on the relevant cases. There were also two MD officers involved who were criminally prosecuted and sentenced to imprisonment.

As regards the recommendations of the Coroner for the MD, including (1) to continue regular engagement with shipbuilders, marine transport service operators and relevant professional bodies or issue simple guidance notes or clarification to ensure that they understand the application of relevant rules and regulations; (2) to implement a new declaration system requiring vessel owners, before each periodical survey, to confirm whether any alterations have been made since the previous survey; (3) to continue to review the working hours and rest arrangements of seafarers, with a focus on identifying fatigue risks in day-to-day operations, and with major ferry operators consulted in the process and the Local Vessels Advisory Committee used as a forum for relevant discussions; and (4) to disseminate to the trade information on the recommendations the Coroner gave to Cheoy Lee Shipyards, the MD will seriously study them and follow up. In respect of the first recommendation, the MD has been stepping up communication with the industry and implemented the Local Safety Management system, with the adoption of a proactive risk management approach to enhance communication with the industry on marine safety issues. For the second recommendation, the MD is actively preparing for the introduction of a requirement under the existing ship inspection system that shipowners must declare that there were no unauthorised alterations of the vessels concerned prior to a survey. In respect of the third recommendation, the Government will review the working environment and conditions of local seafarers and will thoroughly consult relevant stakeholders. For the fourth recommendation, the MD will communicate with other shipyards in respect of the relevant issue.

The spokesman expressed that the Government will continue to work hand-in-hand with the industry to strengthen marine safety together.

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