Regarding the unfounded smear in an article published by The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) concerning the Jimmy Lai case, Chris Tang Ping-keung, secretary for security of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government, has written a letter to the press to to express opposition against vicious attempts to interfere with Hong Kong's judicial system.

Secretary for Security of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Chris Tang Ping-keung

Lai, an instigator of anti-China riots in Hong Kong, was found guilty on December 15, 2025, on two charges of conspiring to collude with external forces and a charge of conspiracy to publish seditious materials.

The verdict was handed down by the High Court of the HKSAR on the national security case of Lai and three companies linked to the now-defunct Apple Daily.

In his letter to the WSJ, Tang pointed out that the editorial entitled "How China Abuses Jimmy Lai" is entirely unfounded, "blatantly ignoring the facts of Lai Chee-ying's case, and has stooped low in an attempt to deceive the public and undermine Hong Kong SAR and China."

Tang stressed that Lai's trial was conducted by the court independently in an open, fair and impartial manner, with the verdict based solely on law and evidence. "We firmly reject any attempt to interfere with our judiciary, which exercises independent judicial power in accordance with the law," the letter read.

Tang's letter clarified that Lai's custodial arrangements are made having regard to his own requests. He has never raised complaints about these arrangements nor about the medical services in custody, as confirmed by Lai's senior counsel at open court hearing on January 12. Lai's general health conditions were stable.

Tang noted that the Correctional Services Department (CSD) adheres strictly to statutory requirements on handling custodial arrangements and is committed to ensuring that custodial environment is secure, safe, humane, decent and healthy, including adequate lighting and ventilation, social visits, correspondence, welfare and religious services, outdoor exercises, and appropriate and timely medical support.

Lai's daughter has repeatedly attempted to maliciously smear the HKSAR Government to mislead the public. The HKSAR Government strongly condemns such acts, the letter noted.