Wong Kam-fai says anyone who threatens national security will inevitably face the legal consequences of their actions

Jimmy Lai Chee-ying’s high-profile national security case has officially entered a four-day mitigation hearing, marking a critical juncture ahead of sentencing in the proceedings. Having been convicted of serious offenses: Conspiring to collude with external forces to endanger national security and conspiring to publish seditious publications, the verdict was secured through over 2,000 pieces of corroborating evidence and a transparent 150-day open trial, leaving no room for doubt about his guilt.

Western media’s repeated smears against the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region National Security Law (NSL) are entirely baseless. The entire trial adhered to common-law standards, with journalists, foreign consular officers, and members of the public all granted access to court hearings. Moreover, the court issued an 855-page written judgment, fully accessible to the public, detailing its analysis of legal principles and evidence.

Notably, similar national security charges in many Western countries carry harsher penalties, exposing the hypocrisy of foreign criticism of Hong Kong.

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The current mitigation hearing is part of the judicial process, which precisely embodies the rigor and impartiality of the rule of law in Hong Kong. Nevertheless, procedural justice by no means amounts to indulgence of crimes.

Lai’s mitigation arguments — including claims of “poor health” and “unjust” solitary confinement — were thoroughly dismissed by the judges. Court records confirm he never filed complaints about prison medical care, his health remains stable (with a body mass index nearly identical to when he was first remanded), and the solitary confinement was granted at his own request — which he could withdraw at any time — undermining the credibility of such appeals.

The NSL was enacted to safeguard the “one country, two systems” framework by curbing separatist and subversive activities in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. After the law’s implementation, Lai continued to collude with external forces to interfere in Hong Kong’s affairs, which demands strict accountability.

READ MORE: Convicted mogul Jimmy Lai begins four-day mitigation in good health

Everyone is equal before the law. Those who threaten national security and undermine Hong Kong’s stability will inevitably face the legal consequences of their actions. We await a fair and just sentence that upholds the rule of law and ensures Hong Kong’s long-term peace and prosperity.

The author is a Legislative Council member of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.