Jimmy Lai's sentence underscores rule of law: HKSAR chief executive

HONG KONG, Feb. 9 (Xinhua) -- John Lee, chief executive of China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), said on Monday that the sentence of 20 years' imprisonment imposed on Jimmy Lai manifests that the rule of law is upheld and justice is done, and also brings great relief to all.

Lee said that Lai had long used the now-defunct Apple Daily to poison the minds of Hong Kong people, by inciting hatred, distorting facts, deliberately stirring up social antagonism and glorifying violence. Lai had openly begged for external forces to impose sanctions against China and the HKSAR, sacrificing the well-being of the people of China and the HKSAR.

Lai betrayed the country and harmed the HKSAR, causing damage to the interests of the country and the HKSAR. His conviction is supported by overwhelming evidence, and he for sure deserves his punishment after all the harm he has done, Lee added.

Lee stressed that this case also admonishes that villains who endanger national security could never escape the sanctions of the law and would surely be severely punished in accordance with the law. The HKSAR will continue to steadfastly safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests.