AFP: Jimmy Lai is taking the witness stand in Hong Kong today. Just yesterday, parliamentarians and foreign affairs experts from certain countries signed an open letter expressing concern about his incarceration. How will China respond to that? And does China expect a fair trial?
Lin Jian: Hong Kong upholds the rule of law. To abide by the law and bring lawbreakers to justice is a basic principle. No one should be allowed to use “freedom” as a pretext to engage in unlawful activities and escape justice. Jimmy Lai is the principal mastermind and perpetrator behind the series of riots that shook Hong Kong. He is an agent and henchman of those hostile to China. The Hong Kong SAR government safeguards national security in accordance with the Basic Law and the National Security Law of Hong Kong. This is lawful, legitimate and beyond reproach. Hong Kong judicial authorities independently exercise their judicial power in accordance with the law. The procedures are fair and just, and the trials are open and transparent. The Central Government firmly supports the Hong Kong SAR in safeguarding national security and punishing all acts that undermine national security in accordance with the law, and firmly opposes certain countries using the case to interfere in China’s internal affairs and smear and undermine Hong Kong’s rule of law.
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