Today (Monday, 15 December 2025), HKSAR Security Secretary Chris Tang Ping-keung stepped up to the mic after the High Court of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region handed down its verdict in the national security case against media mogul Jimmy Lai and three companies tied to the now-defunct Apple Daily. ⚖️
Jimmy Lai—whom authorities labeled an instigator of anti-China riots in Hong Kong—was found guilty on two counts of conspiring to collude with external forces and one count of conspiring to publish seditious materials. Tang was clear: law enforcement moved strictly within legal boundaries. "No individual or organization is above the law," he said, underlining the government’s duty to keep society stable and safe. 🔐
Critics worry the verdict might cool the newsroom’s spirit or dampen civil society’s energy. In response, Tang assured reporters that robust legal safeguards remain to protect lawful expression. He described the national security framework as a mechanism to balance stability with personal freedoms—essential for any vibrant society. 🛡️
From Karachi to Jakarta, young professionals and activists are watching closely. This case is a real-time study of how legal systems can shape civic spaces and media landscapes across South and Southeast Asia. 🌏
Stay tuned for more updates as we track reactions and unpack what this means for the future of journalism and the rule of law in our region. 🔄
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
