Hong Kong’s High Court on Monday sentenced former media tycoon Jimmy Lai Chee-ying to 20 years in prison after convicting him under the Hong Kong Special Administreative Region National Security Law (NSL). He was found guilty in December last year on three counts -- two for conspiring to collude with foreign forces and one for conspiring to publish seditious materials.

This solemn verdict not only declares the inevitable consequences for those who commit crimes, but also demonstrates with ironclad facts the core principle of Hong Kong as a society governed by the rule of law -- laws must be enforced and violations must be prosecuted.

Eight other defendants in the case had pleaded guilty. The entire judicial process fully embodied the principles of fairness and impartiality, with the defendants’ statutory procedural rights fully respected and safeguarded. This powerfully refutes the smear campaigns launched by certain Western politicians and media outlets based on prejudice and political motives.

For years, foreign forces have exploited the pretext of human rights and freedom to interfere with the HKSAR’s judicial independence. Their true purpose is to provide cover for anti-China and disruptive forces in Hong Kong, obstructing the city’s path to prosperity. Their schemes will never succeed and are destined to fail.

The court had listened with an open mind to arguments from both prosecution and defense, rigorously scrutinized evidence, and ensured the judgment rested on a solid foundation of facts and law. This commitment to procedural justice exemplifies the high maturity of Hong Kong’s rule of law.

Fair and impartial sentencing is precisely built upon such rigorous, transparent and rights-protective judicial procedures. This ensures that the final conviction and sentencing carry greater authority and stand the test of legal scrutiny and historical judgment.

The sentencing profoundly reflects the extreme gravity of the offenses, the resolute punitive nature of legal sanctions, and the powerful deterrent effect on future crimes. The defendants have poisoned the public with fake news and false information, using news reporting as a cover to undermine the nation and harm Hong Kong. Their current predicament behind bars is a vivid illustration of their just deserts for having trampled upon the legal red lines in the past.

Hong Kong’s unique advantages and long-term prosperity are rooted in the successful implementation of “one country, two systems”. The fundamental prerequisite for this practice to proceed steadily and far into the future is the effective safeguarding of national security.

Lai’s trial has significant importance as a just measure to uphold national security. The verdict stands as another solid affirmation of the authority and effectiveness of the NSL.

It demonstrates that the legal instruments are being applied lawfully, effectively and in accordance with procedural justice, while Hong Kong’s legal system and enforcement mechanisms for safeguarding national security continue to mature and improve.

Only in a secure and stable environment can the rule of law be upheld, human rights be protected, capital be assured, markets thrive, and residents live and work in peace and contentment.

Looking ahead, with the robust protection of the NSL, the city can better integrate into the broader national development landscape and compose a new chapter in the successful practice of “one country, two systems”.

Safeguarding national security is synonymous with protecting Hong Kong's  future. This is the shared honorable responsibility and fundamental interest of all Hong Kong residents.

The author is a law professor, director of the Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macao Studies and president of the Association for the Promotion of Rule of Law, Education and Technologies.

The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.