Anti-China agitator Li Zhiying convicted of two counts of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and one count of conspiracy to publish seditious publications. On the morning of February 9, Li Zhiying and eight other accused in the same case were sentenced at the West Kowloon Court in Hong Kong. Hong Kong society paid high attention to this, saying that a heavy sentence for Li Zhiying meets public expectations.
“She must be severely punished as an example to others”
Hong Kong Headline Daily Network reported on July that Li Zhiying, the founder of Hong Kong One Media, was convicted in December last year of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and publishing seditious publications. After 156 days of trial, three judges ruled that Li and three Apple Daily related companies were guilty. Six Apple Daily executives in the same case and Li Yuxuan, who participated in lobbying for foreign sanctions against China, and Chen Zihua, a legal assistant, had already pleaded guilty. According to the website of the judiciary, the case was sentenced at West Kowloon Court in Hong Kong on February 9th. The report said that the prosecution emphasized that the National Security Act of Hong Kong specifies that prime actors or accused of serious crimes must be sentenced to prison for 10 years or life imprisonment, and active participants must be sentenced to prison for 3 to 10 years. Li Zhiying was convicted last year, and the judge ruled that after the implementation of the National Security Act of Hong Kong, Li Zhiying continued to request foreign sanctions, was the mastermind of the conspiracy in this case, and the 161 inflammatory articles involved in the case all showed “deep hostility and prejudice.” Previously, the Hong Kong judiciary announced the opening of the main court and seven extension courts on 9th, with a total of 116 press seats and 491 public seats, for media and public audience.
The Hong Kong Public Affairs Network reported on the 7th that many members of the legal and political circles in Hong Kong said that the trial process of Li Zhiying‘s case was open, fair and impartial, fully embodying the spirit of Hong Kong’s rule of law and judicial independence. They strongly support the independent trial of Hong Kong’s judicial authorities according to the law. The Association of Hong Kong Legal Professionals said that the court‘s earlier verdict of Li Zhiying’s guilt was made after careful consideration. Li seriously jeopardized national security and the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong, and must be severely punished by the court.
Liang Meifen, a member of the Legislative Council of the Electoral Committee and a lawyer, said that the Apple Daily had been continuously manipulating public opinion over the years, instilling long-term ideologies in teachers, professionals and young people, gradually shaping a distorted, state-hating psychological state. Even after the implementation of the National Security Act in Hong Kong, the relevant forces continued to attempt to continue brainwashing practices through smearing, misdirection and other methods, causing deep and lasting harm to Hong Kong society, especially the younger generation. Liang Meifen believes that the damage caused by Li Zhiying‘s actions to Hong Kong society has long surpassed the scope of general discourse. She believes that Hong Kong’s judicial institutions will definitely be able to process the relevant cases according to law, independently and fairly without interference from outside forces. She said that various sectors of society place reasonable expectations on the outcome of the sentencing. They hope that through strict punishment according to law, it will play a clear and effective deterrent role and transmit a clear message to society – any behavior that harms national security and destroys social stability must be severely punished as an example.
“Encouraging hatred and harming Hong Kong”
“Li Zhiying has long colluded with external forces and used his media to incite hatred and harm Hong Kong, striking the bottom line of ‘one country, two systems’. He is a pawn in the West‘s attempt to achieve anti-China unrest in Hong Kong. The evidence is conclusive. The crime is deserved and must be severely punished.” Hong Kong Legislative Council Member Tan Zhenguo emphasized that national security is the foundation of social stability, and the results since the implementation of the National Security Act in Hong Kong are evident. “Everyone is equal before the law, and only by punishing national security criminals according to the law can the deterrent power of the National Security Act be displayed.” He said that in the reasons for the court‘s ruling on this case, several chapters have clearly pointed out that Li Zhiying was not tried because of his political stance, but was a criminal trial based on evidence. “Li Zhiying and the forces behind him attempted to confuse the public, disguise Li as a so-called ‘political criminal’, and pressure the court. It was destined to be futile.”
Legislative Council Member Huang Guo said bluntly that people who have lived in Hong Kong for the past 30 years and well-informed people around the world know that Li Zhiying and other groups have been committing extremely evil acts that have been endangering national security and Hong Kong‘s stability and prosperity. He said that national security can ensure Hong Kong‘s security, and national security can ensure domestic security. Protecting national security means protecting “one country, two systems”, protecting Hong Kong‘s prosperity and stability, protecting the interests of foreign investors, protecting Hong Kong’s democratic freedoms, protecting the human rights and well-being of all Hong Kong residents. “The rule of law is the cornerstone and core competitiveness of Hong Kong‘s prosperity, stability and safe development.” Li Zhenqiang, a member of the Legislative Council, said that Li Zhiying‘s appeal this time could be described as “Sima Zhao’s heart, known to passersby”. The purpose was to get off the hook or reduce his sentence. However, the so-called reasons he presented were completely invalid. He was simply trying to gain public sympathy and attention. As the culprit who had plunged Hong Kong into darkness and made citizens who came and went fearful, he truly deserved his punishment. He believes that the judges will definitely give him fair sanctions according to the law.
The eyes of international investors are bright
Recently, some Western forces have made disparaging remarks about Li Zhiying‘s case, arousing anger in Hong Kong society. Legislative Council Member Li Zijing said that some Western politicians and anti-China forces are using false propositions such as “press freedom” and “health issues” to blacken Hong Kong justice and attempt to interfere with the trial. This is purely a despicable operation. Legislative Council Member Zhou Haoding published a statement saying that there have always been Western media and politicians “escorting” Li Zhiying, attempting to clear him of charges, often pointing the finger at the HKSAR Government. Earlier, a spokesman for the HKSAR Government criticized the European Parliament for distorting facts and blackening the HKSAR and the HKSAR National Security Act as well as other relevant HKSAR laws protecting national security. The spokesperson said, “The facts are before our eyes, and both Hong Kong citizens and international investors have bright eyes. In the more than 5 years since the implementation of the National Security Act in Hong Kong, it has restored the rights and freedoms that Hong Kong citizens were unable to enjoy during the ‘Black Storm’, allowing the vast population of Hong Kong citizens to quickly return to normal in their lives and economic activities, allowing the business environment to be restored and continuously improved. According to the 2025 Annual Report on World Competitiveness published by the Swiss Institute for International Management and Development, Hong Kong‘s ranking jumped two places to the third place in the world, placing Hong Kong among the top three global international financial centers. “These internationally recognized achievements are all based on the freedom and security brought to Hong Kong society by maintaining national security work based on the National Security Act in Hong Kong and other SAR-related laws.”
The spokesperson also said that the reasons for the court‘s ruling on Li Zhiying‘s case were 855 pages long, fully open to the public, explaining in great detail the court‘s analysis of the relevant legal principles and evidence, as well as the reasons for the conviction of Li Zhiying and the three defendant companies. “The court‘s conviction verdict was reasonable and consistent, fully demonstrating that the court strictly follows the law and evidence in its decisions, without any interference, and certainly without any political considerations.”