The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government has lambasted foreign forces for their malicious attempt to smear a decision by the city’s High Court to jail Jimmy Lai Chee-ying, founder of the now-defunct Apple Daily, 20 years for conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and publish seditious materials.

In a strongly-worded statement issued on Monday, the day the court handed down the sentence for Lai and eight other defendants involved in the city’s first case for conspiracy to collude with foreign forces, a government spokesperson called out the despicable behavior, saying Western countries, anti-China media, organizations and politicians have used this as a pretext to slander, smear, and attack the HKSAR.

“The court clearly pointed out in the reasons for the verdict that Lai Chee-ying was not on trial for his political views or beliefs,” said the spokesperson.

“The court's publicly released reasons for the verdict and sentence have meticulously explain the court's analysis of the relevant legal principles and evidence, as well as the reasons of the conviction and sentencing of Lai Chee-ying and the three defendant companies, which are well-founded and reasoned, with absolutely no basis for claims of so-called 'political prosecution'."

Responding to lies fabricated by those with “ulterior motives” on Lai’s health condition and his custodial arrangements, the spokesperson said, “Facts speak louder than eloquence.”

Lai’s entitlements in prison, including visitation, communication, welfare and religious services, as well as outdoor exercise arrangements, have not been denied on account of his personal status or his removal from association with other persons in custody.

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"During the plea in mitigation in court on January 12 and 13 this year, the senior counsel representing Lai Chee-ying confirmed repeatedly that Lai Chee-ying had made no complaints about the treatment he received while in custody. The court also confirmed in its reasons for sentence that the Correctional Services Department has been providing adequate medical attention for Lai Chee-ying," reads the statement.

The HKSAR government urged all sides to recognize the objective facts and stop any baseless malicious attacks, saying it will continue to uphold its constitutional duty and steadfastly safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests.

“It (HKSAR government) will, as always, resolutely and strictly adhere to the principle of the rule of law to ensure that 'laws are observed and strictly enforced to bring offenders to account', so as to prevent, suppress and impose punishment for acts and activities endangering national security while protecting the lawful rights and interests of Hong Kong residents and other people in Hong Kong," the spokesperson added.