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Letters

Feel strongly about these letters, or any other aspects of the news? Share your views by emailing us your Letter to the Editor at letters@scmp.com or filling in this Google form. Submissions should not exceed 400 words
The sentencing of Jimmy Lai Chee-ying to 20 years in prison marks a pivotal moment in Hong Kong’s journey towards restoring the rule of law and social stability. This landmark ruling, followed by the State Council’s release of a white paper on safeguarding national security in Hong Kong, provides an opportunity to reflect on why justice in this case is not only necessary but fundamental to our city’s future.
The court’s findings were unequivocal: Lai was the “mastermind” behind a series of conspiracies. Far from merely exercising freedom of the press, Lai orchestrated three conspiracies – two involving collusion with foreign forces and one involving seditious publications. He deliberately used his media empire to incite hatred against the central and local governments.
Lai’s activities were not impulsive acts but constituted a well-orchestrated, prolonged campaign both before and after the enactment of the national security law in 2020.
He actively lobbied for hostile activities against the Hong Kong government and our nation. These were calculated efforts to undermine the city’s economic and political stability.
In 2019, Hong Kong was pushed to the brink of chaos by violent protests. By leveraging his influence to fuel public distrust of the Hong Kong government, Lai posed a severe threat to national security. As the white paper emphasises, the central government holds the ultimate responsibility for national security and the Hong Kong government has a constitutional duty to implement the national security law.
During Lai’s trial, Hong Kong’s judicial system demonstrated remarkable fairness and transparency. Despite the gravity of the offence which could have warranted life imprisonment, the court applied appropriate leniency in the sentence, taking into account factors such as the defendant’s age and health. This mitigation reflects the core principle articulated in the national security law and the white paper: human rights are protected while national security is being safeguarded. The trial was conducted in open court, adhering strictly to legal procedures and further cementing the independence of Hong Kong’s judicial system.
The white paper rightly notes that national security is the prerequisite for high-quality development. By holding the culprits accountable, the court has sent a solemn warning against any future attempt to jeopardise national security. The judgment is a fortification of the rule of law that protects the freedom of the law-abiding majority.
Hong Kong is now better positioned to focus on its role as an international financial centre and its integration into the Greater Bay Area. Our city can finally leave behind the woes of the 2019 turmoil and embrace a bright future of stability and prosperity.
Rock Chen, legislative councillor
Child safeguarding should not be daunting
I refer to the letter, “To protect children, professionals could also watch family dynamics” (February 14). Mandatory reporting of child abuse is essential but how it has been rolled out has been confused and liable to heighten fear rather than encourage positive and useful action.
The fundamentals of child safeguarding – in accordance with numerous agencies that have been in existence in Europe and North America for decades, and have seen policy implemented – are that all in loco parentis are duty bound to report any concerns they have about child well-being with regard to neglect, physical abuse, sexual abuse and emotional abuse. Moreover, if a young person comes to a trusted adult to report any of the aforementioned, the adult in question should promise to listen and never judge but cannot guarantee confidentiality because these details must be shared, albeit discreetly, with the person in the organisation with responsibility for child safeguarding.
Recently, after undertaking the online training for Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse Ordinance, I came out more confused than when I went in. The section on recognising different forms of abuse was not of the same practical value as other safeguarding courses I have taken. I came away without a clear idea of who I needed to report my concerns to and who was responsible for safeguarding concerns in my own institution. Moreover, there was too much emphasis on quizzing candidates on the history of the ordinance and the consequences for them if they don’t comply.
No one in a position of care for young people needs to be an expert in the field; they simply need to act responsibly and in accordance with the clearly drafted guidelines.
Child safeguarding is essential but needn’t be a chore and should never be daunting. From what I have seen so far, the ordinance’s roll-out has not been effective.
Michael Shaw, Lamma Island


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Hong Kong courts

Jimmy Lai case verdict and State Council’s white paper send strong message

Police officers stand guard outside the West Kowloon Court in Cheung Sha Wan on February 9, the day the court sentenced former media tycoon Jimmy Lai to 20 years in prison. Photo: Eugene Lee

Western media criticism of the Jimmy Lai case verdict needs a fact check

A Hong Kong Correctional Services vehicle carrying former media tycoon Jimmy Lai leaves the Lai Chi Kok Reception Centre and heads to the West Kowloon Court on February 9. Photo: Dickson Lee

Struggle for national security an ‘enduring task’ for Hong Kong, Beijing says

Beijing has issued a white paper on Hong Kong’s role in safeguarding national security on Tuesday. Photo: Jelly Tse

Jimmy Lai has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for national security crimes. Photo: AFP

Jimmy Lai ruling shows Hong Kong’s resolve to uphold the rule of law

The Chief Superintendent of the Hong Kong police’s National Security Department, Steve Li Kwai-wah, speaks to the media at the West Kowloon court in Hong Kong on February 9. Photo: EPA

Hong Kong’s success debunks the false binary of security vs freedom

Visitors walk through the newly opened Sai Ying Pun Harbourfront Park on January 10. Photo: Karma Lo

People sit outside the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing headquarters in Central on December 30, 2025. Photo: Sun Yeung

Pedestrians cross a street in Causeway Bay on January 14. Photo: Sam Tsang

Collusion is a serious offence. Let Jimmy Lai’s case be an example

Illustration: Craig Stephens

People queue up to enter West Kowloon Court building hoping to secure seats in the public gallery for Jimmy Lai’s trial on February 9. Photo: Sam Tsang

A woman buys a copy of Apple Daily at a news stand in Hong Kong, on June 18, 2021. Photo: EPA-EFE

Opinion

Readers discuss the importance of safeguarding national security, and the Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse Ordinance


Readers discuss the importance of safeguarding national security, and the Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse Ordinance.


.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Readers discuss the importance of safeguarding national security, and the Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse Ordinance

Readers discuss the importance of safeguarding national security, and the Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse Ordinance