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2025
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government welcomed the Court of First Instance's verdict today in the case of Lai Chee-ying and three companies relating to Apple Daily involving three charges of offences endangering national security. The charges included “conspiracy to collude with a foreign country or with external elements to endanger national security” and “conspiracy to print, publish, sell, offer for sale, distribute, display and/or reproduce seditious publications”. The court convicted Lai Chee-ying and the three defendant companies on all charges. It adjourned the case of Lai Chee-ying and the three defendant companies, as well as the related cases of eight people who previously pleaded guilty, to January 12, 2026, for mitigation, and the date for sentencing will be announced afterwards. Chief Executive John Lee stated that the court found Lai Chee-ying and the three companies relating to Apple Daily guilty, confirming that Lai Chee-ying had indeed used Apple Daily to collude with foreign or external forces to endanger national security. Mr Lee said: “Lai Chee-ying has long been using his media outlet, Apple Daily, to wantonly create social conflicts, incite social antagonism, incite hatred, glorify violence and openly beg for foreign sanctions against China and the Hong Kong SAR, attracting external interference. “He has harmed the fundamental interests of the country and the well-being of the people of Hong Kong; his actions are shameful and his intentions malicious. His wanton crimes were committed in full view of the public, and the evidence is compelling. “The court's conviction demonstrates that righteousness is upheld by the law and the core values of Hong Kong are safeguarded. The law never allows anyone, regardless of profession or background, to harm their country and compatriots under the guise of human rights, democracy, and freedom. “The Hong Kong SAR has a responsibility to safeguard national security and will resolutely combat acts and activities endangering national security. Hong Kong is underpinned by the rule of law, and the Hong Kong SAR Government is committed to ensuring that laws are observed and strictly enforced to bring offenders to account. We will do our utmost to prevent, suppress and impose punishment for acts and activities endangering national security to fulfil this perfectly justified responsibility.” The Chief Executive emphasised that the Hong Kong SAR Government's stance is unequivocal, and that the Judiciary acts confidently, undaunted by any threats. “We will resolutely fulfil the responsibility of safeguarding national security,” he added. The Hong Kong SAR Government stated that the court's reasons for verdict in this case are 855 pages long, clearly pointing out that Lai Chee-ying was not on trial for his political views or beliefs. The court's verdict of guilty is reasoned and well founded, and fully demonstrates that the court arrived at the verdict in strict accordance with the laws and evidence, free from any interference, and entirely devoid of political considerations. The court clearly pointed out in its reasons for verdict that Lai Chee-ying had harboured his resentment and hatred of the People's Republic of China (PRC) for many years. His only intent, whether pre- or post-Hong Kong National Security Law, was to seek the downfall of the Communist Party of China, even though the ultimate cost was the sacrifice of the interests of the people of the PRC and the Hong Kong SAR. The Hong Kong SAR Government noted that throughout the enforcement, prosecution and trial stages of Lai Chee-ying's case, there were smears and attacks as well as interference and pressure from all sides. However, any reasonable person who can distinguish between right and wrong, upon carefully examining the reasons for verdict handed down by the court today, would agree that the court adjudicated the case fairly and impartially, and the despicable attempt of external forces is futile and doomed to failure. Besides, the Hong Kong SAR Government said the open hearing of the case revealed that Lai Chee-ying repeatedly colluded with foreign forces to beg for sanctions or blockade, or engage in hostile activities against the central authorities and the Hong Kong SAR Government. It added that Lai Chee-ying's case has absolutely nothing to do with press freedom. The defendants have merely used news reporting as a pretext for years to commit acts that harmed the country and Hong Kong.
The Police Force’s National Security Department has charged two men jointly with one count of "conspiracy to commit subversion", with the case due to be mentioned at the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts tomorrow. The duo, aged 24 and 25, are among nine people arrested on Friday on suspicion of committing "unlawful drilling" offences under the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance. The department has also arrested a 26-year-old woman, also in connection with the “unlawful drilling” offence. She and the other arrestees have been released on bail and told to report back to Police in mid-January 2026.
The Police Force’s National Security Department has arrested nine men on suspicion of committing "unlawful drilling" offences under the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance. The arrestees, aged between 20 and 25, were netted in an operation mounted recently in various districts. Investigations found that a syndicate conducted unlawful drilling inside a unit of an industrial building in Kowloon. The training encompassed firearm drills, use of tactical knives and combat techniques. Offensive weapons were seized in the operation.
The Fire Services Department today posthumously conferred the honorary title of Senior Fireman on the late Ho Wai-ho, in recognition of his exemplary service and selfless dedication to duty. At the ceremony, held at Sha Tin Fire Station, members of Mr Ho’s family accepted, on his behalf, a posthumous title conferment certificate and an embroidery of the Senior Fireman’s rank badge from Director of Fire Services Andy Yeung. Members of the department’s New Territories North Command were also present to witness the ceremony. Mr Ho was born in 1987 and joined the FSD as a fireman in 2016. He served at the Sha Tin Fire Station and demonstrated outstanding performance and dedication during his nine-year service. While executing a firefighting and rescue operation at Wang Fuk Court, Tai Po on November 26 this year, Mr Ho sustained serious injuries and lost his life in the line of duty. The blaze was later upgraded to a No. 5 alarm fire. The department will hold a funeral with full honour for Mr Ho at the Universal Funeral Parlour in Hung Hom, Kowloon on December 19. He will be laid to rest at the Gallant Garden in Wo Hop Shek afterwards.
The launch ceremony of the Pilot Scheme on Sports Dispute Resolution was held today and the scheme will start accepting case applications at the beginning of the first quarter of 2026. The scheme aims to provide the sports sector with a fair, efficient and convenient mechanism for resolving sports disputes through mediation and arbitration, thereby contributing to the sustainable development of Hong Kong's sports industry and promoting the city as an international centre for sports dispute resolution. Deputy Secretary for Justice and Advisory Committee on Sports Dispute Resolution Chairperson Cheung Kwok-kwan, Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Rosanna Law, and Director-General of the Department of Law of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Liu Chunhua were in attendance. Over 160 representatives from the sports and legal sectors, including the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China, the Hong Kong Sports Institute, the Hong Kong Bar Association, the Law Society of Hong Kong and national sports associations, as well as some current and retired Hong Kong athletes, also joined the ceremony. Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Cheung said that with the vibrant development of the sports industry, sports disputes are an inevitable result of interactions among stakeholders, adding that establishing a dedicated mechanism for resolving sports disputes is an important foundation for advancing the sports industry to new heights. Mr Cheung reiterated that the scheme provides a fair, efficient, and convenient mechanism for resolving sports disputes through mediation and arbitration, promoting the development of the sports industry through free competition in a fair market. The Department of Justice (DoJ) will collaborate with the legal and sports sectors to organise various promotional and training activities to further enhance public awareness of sports dispute resolution. Mr Cheung also encouraged professionals from different fields to actively participate in and make further contributions to the development of sports industry and dispute resolution services in Hong Kong. Miss Law in her speech said that the Culture, Sports & Tourism Bureau fully supports the DoJ as well as the legal and sports sectors in jointly promoting the pilot scheme, which establishes a neutral, fair, and efficient mechanism to effectively handle various sports-related disputes and safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of athletes, coaches, sports organisations and all stakeholders. She added that the pilot scheme also contributes to creating a healthier and more sustainable development environment, laying a solid foundation for the long-term future of sports in Hong Kong. The AALCO Hong Kong Regional Arbitration Centre (AALCO-HKRAC) will administer the pilot scheme and provide institutional support for the conduct of mediation and arbitration. Whereas the eBRAM International Online Dispute Resolution Centre (eBRAM) will provide the technological infrastructure and support required for the operation of the pilot scheme, with a view to promoting a wider use of lawtech and online dispute resolution services. At the launch ceremony, Mr Cheung, on behalf of the DoJ, signed a memorandum of understanding with representatives from the AALCO-HKRAC and the eBRAM. In the subsequent panel discussions, speakers from the legal and sports sectors, as well as the DoJ, engaged in in-depth discussions on the advantages of mediation and arbitration in resolving sports disputes and introduced the features of the pilot scheme. The pilot scheme’s operational period will be two years followed by a review. It will adopt a mediation first, arbitration next approach to resolve both commercial and non-commercial sports disputes. Featuring an online mediation and arbitration platform, the scheme will also expedite procedures to enhance the efficiency of dispute resolution and address urgent disputes that may arise during competition. The Government will provide subsidies for eligible cases.
The Development Bureau today announced a new mechanism for scaffold nets on external walls to be sampled on-site. The regime, devised following the blaze at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, applies to scaffold nets used in repair projects as well as those used in new building works. Specifically, contractors must provide certificates and test reports for the fire-retardant performance of the scaffold nets. In addition, upon delivery of the scaffold nets to Hong Kong, contractors are required to take a specified number of samples in a specified manner, and send them to designated laboratories for testing. Samples must all pass the test before the scaffold nets can be installed. The Government’s enforcement departments will conduct random verification checks after the scaffold nets are installed. Taking into account space constraints, the Buildings Department will allow on-site or off-site sampling. Contractors are required to establish a tracking system to the satisfaction of the department in order to ensure that the installed scaffold nets are from the same batches that have passed laboratory testing. To facilitate the implementation of the new mechanism, the Government is identifying additional laboratories and aims to have a preliminary list drawn up next week. The Government has also initially identified a suitable site for the industry to conduct off-site sampling, which is expected to be ready for use next week. Furthermore, to address the short-term surge in demand for scaffold nets and testing services, the Construction Industry Council will make special arrangements for collective bulk procurement and coordinated testing services. Financial supportAs of noon today, donations received by the Support Fund for Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po had reached about $3.2 billion. Combined with the $300 million in startup capital from the Government, this takes the fund to a total of around $3.5 billion. The fund will provide a living allowance to each affected household. As of today, 1,784 cases had been processed. The fund will also provide the families of each deceased victim with a $200,000 token of solidarity, as well as $50,000 to cover funeral costs. As of today, a total of 121 cases had been processed. Welfare arrangementsThe Advisory Committee on Mental Health today announced the launch of a programme to provide free mental health support services to bereaved families following the fire at Wang Fuk Court. Separately, as of this morning, 1,457 residents had been accommodated under the co-ordination of the Home & Youth Affairs Bureau, in youth hostels, camps or hotel rooms. Another 2,796 residents have moved into transitional housing units provided by the Housing Bureau or the Hong Kong Housing Society. Relief suppliesOn the Government’s online platform for donated supplies, about 1,700 registrations have been received, with approximately 30% submitted by organisations. Over 19,500 donated items, covering various categories, have been distributed. Regulation workAs of 4pm today, the Labour Department had inspected 440 construction sites, issued a total of 226 written warnings and 105 improvement notices, and taken out 25 prosecutions.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government strongly disapproves of and opposes a report by the US Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC), which made biased, slandering and smearing remarks about the situation in Hong Kong. In a statement, the Hong Kong SAR Government said it disapproves of the CECC's repeated tactics to interfere in the affairs of Hong Kong through the so-called annual report, and strongly opposes the report’s absurd and untrue content regarding legislation safeguarding national security in Hong Kong. In accordance with international law and international practice based on the Charter of the United Nations, safeguarding national security is an inherent right of all sovereign states, and many common law jurisdictions including the US, the UK, Australia and Canada have enacted legislation and implemented measures to safeguard national security, the statement said. Regarding the offences related to seditious intention, the Hong Kong courts have ruled in different cases that the provisions on sedition are consistent with those of the Basic Law and the Hong Kong Bill of Rights on the protection of human rights, and that a proportionate and reasonable balance has been struck between safeguarding national security and protection of the freedom of speech, the statement said. The offence is not meant to silence the expression of any opinion that is only genuine criticism of the Government based on objective facts, it added. Regarding the custodial arrangements for Jimmy [Lai] Chee-ying mentioned in the report, the Hong KSAR Government has stated on numerous occasions that the medical services provided to him in custody are adequate and comprehensive. The Correctional Services Department attaches great importance to the safety and health of persons-in-custody (PICs), the statement said, adding that irrespective of the PICs’ identities, ages and nationalities, the department is committed to ensuring the custodial environment is secure, safe, humane, appropriate and healthy. The Hong Kong KSAR Government emphasised that all judicial cases are handled strictly on the basis of evidence and in accordance with the law, and that all defendants will receive a fair trial strictly in accordance with laws applicable to Hong Kong, including the National Security Law (NSL) and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (SNSO) as protected by the Basic Law and the Hong Kong Bill of Rights. The US report specifically mentioned cases on offences endangering national security involving Lai Chee-ying, wantonly smearing the law enforcement, prosecution and judicial organs of Hong Kong regarding the handling of the relevant cases, the statement said. Their ulterior motives are obvious - to interfere with the judicial proceedings in the city by means of political power so as to procure a defendant's evasion of the criminal justice process, the statement said, adding that the Hong Kong SAR Government strongly condemns such blatant attempts to undermine the rule of law of Hong Kong. The Hong Kong SAR Government said it steadfastly safeguards the rights and freedoms enjoyed by the Hong Kong people as protected under the law, noting that since Hong Kong's return to the motherland, the human rights in the city have always been robustly guaranteed constitutionally by both the Constitution and the Basic Law. The statement said that since the implementation of the NSL and the SNSO, the media landscape in Hong Kong has remained vibrant, but the US report deliberately fabricated facts about freedom of the press and speech in the city. The statement said that the US Government itself does not hesitate to take action against misleading and biased news reporting, adding that it has recently set up a webpage to list misleading and biased media reporting, some of which is described as subversive. The US CECC's smearing of Hong Kong using double-standards is a shameful political maneuver, the statement said. The report's claim that women in Hong Kong face discrimination and harassment in the workplace is another absurd accusation, as the Sex Discrimination Ordinance protects women from discrimination, sexual harassment and victimisation in the prescribed area of employment, the statement added.
Upon liaison with Police, the Housing Department will remove burnt scaffolding on the external walls of Wang Cheong House, Wang Tai House and Wang Sun House at Wang Fuk Court, Tai Po, starting this Friday. Meanwhile, the Buildings Department’s orders to remove scaffold nets has all been complied with. It will announce a new set of arrangements within this week requiring scaffold nets used at construction sites to be sampled on-site and certified as compliant with the relevant standards prior to installation, so that the relevant external wall work can resume as soon as possible. Financial supportAs of noon today, donations received by the Support Fund for Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po had reached about $3.1 billion. Combined with the $300 million in startup capital from the Government, this takes the fund to a total of around $3.4 billion. The fund will provide a living allowance to each affected household. As of today, 1,717 cases had been processed. The fund will also provide the families of each deceased victim with a $200,000 token of solidarity, as well as $50,000 to cover funeral costs. As of today, a total of 109 cases had been processed. Furthermore, the Government announced today that a new special one-off grant of $100,000 under the fund will be provided to flat owners at all the eight blocks at Wang Fuk Court. Social workers from the Social Welfare Department have been in contact with more than 1,980 affected households, and more than 4,900 residents have been registered for the “one social worker per household” follow-up service. Accommodation arrangementsAs of this morning, a total of 1,435 residents had been accommodated under the co-ordination of the Home & Youth Affairs Bureau, in youth hostels, camps or hotel rooms. Another 2,677 residents have moved into transitional housing units provided by the Housing Bureau or the Hong Kong Housing Society. Separately, the temporary shelter at Tai Po Community Centre has ceased operation as users there have all relocated to the emergency accommodation arranged by the Government. The temporary shelter at Tung Cheong Street Community Hall will remain in operation until existing users have moved to the emergency accommodation. Relief suppliesOn the Government's online platform for donated supplies, about 1,700 registrations have been received, with approximately 30% submitted by organisations. Over 16,300 donated items, covering various categories, have been distributed. Regulation work The Housing Bureau’s Independent Checking Unit has inspected the scaffoldings at Yee Kok Court in Sham Shui Po, On Kay Court in Kwun Tong, Sui Wo Court in Sha Tin, Ching Lai Court in Sham Shui Po and Fung Wah Estate in Chai Wan. The contractor concerned has completed removing all the miscellaneous items on the scaffolding. As of 4pm today, the Labour Department had inspected 404 construction sites, issued a total of 210 written warnings and 104 improvement notices, and taken out 25 prosecutions.
The Legal Aid Department (LAD) today announced that it has established a dedicated task force to implement support measures to assist individuals affected by the fire at Wang Fuk Court, Tai Po, in applying for legal aid in accordance with statutory requirements. The legal aid aims to handle litigation and related matters about personal injury claims, property damage claims and employees’ compensation claims, the department explained. Specifically, the LAD has co-ordinated with the Social Welfare Department to leverage the “one social worker per household” service to disseminate information on legal aid, such as details on the scope of the legal aid, application procedures and eligibility criteria. In addition, the LAD has established telephone hotlines (2867 4516 or 2399 2277) to address enquiries from the affected citizens about legal aid. To ensure that the affected citizens can obtain legal aid as soon as possible, the LAD will streamline the application procedures and deploy staff to expedite the processing of applications. Furthermore, seminars will be held to elaborate on legal aid application matters. Staff will offer assistance on site. Separately, taking into account the burden and needs of the affected citizens, the LAD will arrange legal representatives to handle their litigation upon approval of their legal aid applications. In this regard, the LAD reminds the prospective applicants not to arrange their own legal representation, and not give instructions or sign authorisation documents for legal services, in order to avoid incurring unnecessary costs and safeguard their own interests.
To offer support to individuals affected by the fire at Wang Fuk Court, Tai Po, the Judiciary announced today that all potential legal proceedings related to the incident will be handled with priority and expeditiously through a series of facilitative measures. A dedicated task group, headed by the Chief Judge of the High Court and comprising relevant court leaders and specialist judges, will be set up to ensure the swift handling of legal proceedings related to the incident at all court levels, without unduly compromising the administration of justice. The Judiciary will designate a team of support staff for handling probate-related matters relating to the deceased victims of the fire. The team will liaise with relevant government departments to disseminate essential information on probate-related matters to affected families. A special hotline 2840 1683 is in operation to answer enquiries. The Judiciary will also waive probate-related scheduled fees relating to the deceased victims. At the same time, the court will consider fee concessions for other court services. Additionally, the processing of coroner-related matters, including the issue of Certificates of the Fact of Death, will be expedited.