The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government has strongly rejected slanderous remarks made by external forces, including anti-China media organizations, regarding Jimmy Lai Chee-ying's case under the Hong Kong National Security Law (HKNSL) and the treatment provided to him during his custody.

The external forces’ intention to smear and attack the SAR government is blatantly obvious and must be sternly denounced to set the record straight, the government said in a statement on Wednesday night.

The SAR government said it has emphasized time and again that as the legal proceedings involving Lai are still ongoing, it is inappropriate for any person to comment on the details of the case in an attempt to interfere with the court to exercise judicial power independently, which might otherwise constitute perverting the course of justice.

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“However, external forces and anti-China media still continue to distort the truth, blatantly discredit the judicial system and trials of the HKSAR, in an attempt to glorify criminal behavior and exert pressure on the courts of the HKSAR."

Reiterating that the Correctional Services Department attaches great importance to the safety and health of persons in custody, a government spokesperson stated that if inmates require further examination and treatment, they will be referred to specialist medical staff or public hospitals for further follow-up. The Correctional Services Department has also established a mechanism, including regular independent visitors who inspect prisons to ensure the rights of persons in custody are protected.

Pointing out that Lai's legal representative has already clarified earlier that he has all along been receiving suitable treatment and care in prison, the spokesman said, “However, external forces choose to turn a blind eye to these facts and evidence, and carry on with their malicious political maneuvers with ulterior motives. The HKSAR government strongly opposes such actions.”

The arrangement for Lai's removal from association with other persons in custody has all along been made at his own request and approved by the Correctional Services Department after considering all relevant factors in accordance with the law, the spokesman said.

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The remarks by these external forces regarding Lai's solitary confinement are completely fact-twisting, reflecting a malicious intention to smear and attack the HKSAR government, added the spokesman.

All cases concerning the offense of endangering national security will be handled in a fair and timely manner by the law enforcement, prosecution and judicial authorities of the city as required by the HKNSL, the government said, pointing out that the time taken between the institution of prosecution and the completion of trial of each case depends on a multitude of factors.

As regards the freedoms of the press and of speech, the SAR government said the media landscape has been as vibrant as ever in the city since the implementation of the HKNSL and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance.

Stressing that freedom of the press and freedom of speech are not absolute, it said, “The media, like everyone else, have an obligation to abide by all the laws. As long as they are not in violation of the law, the media continue to enjoy the freedom to comment on and criticize government policies without any restriction.”

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In recent cases, the court cited judicial precedents from the European Court of Human Rights regarding freedom of the press, pointing out that the European Convention on Human Rights does not guarantee a wholly unrestricted freedom of speech even with respect to press coverage on matters of serious public concern, according to the government.

“The most crucial point is that journalists must act in good faith and on accurate factual basis and provide reliable and precise information in accordance with the tenets of 'responsible journalism' in order to enjoy the protection of their rights to freedom of speech and press freedom.”