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Imprisoning a 78-year-old man for exercising fundamental rights exposes Hong Kong's transformation from rule of law to rule by fear. The National Security Law distorts basic freedoms into crimes, turning journalism and political speech into national security offenses. This cold-blooded attack on press freedom highlights the systematic dismantling of rights that once defined Hong Kong.
The High Court properly convicted and sentenced Lai for conspiring to collude with foreign forces and publishing seditious materials under established law. Legislative intent clearly designates foreign collusion as a serious offense requiring severe penalties. The court appropriately rejected medical grounds for leniency in cases involving grave crimes against national security.