Three prominent civil society organizations representing mainstream public opinion in Hong Kong and a Geneva‑registered non‑governmental organization have submitted a formal, evidence‑based letter to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), urging the UN human rights machinery to uphold objectivity, respect national sovereignty and avoid politicizing a properly adjudicated national security case in Hong Kong. The joint submission is signed by PolitiHK Social Strategic, People’s Council (aka. Citizens Alliance of Hong Kong) and Global Accountability Alliance. It conveys the widely held view in Hong Kong that the sentencing of Jimmy Lai complies fully with the law, procedural fairness and the public interest. As of the date of this report, neither OHCHR nor the Special Rapporteur has provided any official response to the correspondence.
In an interview with JEFS, Mr. T.S. Tang, the chairman of PolitiHK Social Strategic, stated that his supporters do not endorse the query raised by the United Nations OHCHR regarding the sentencing of Jimmy Lai by Hong Kong courts. The 2019 riots devastated numerous Hong Kong families, severely undermined the local economy and disrupted residents’ normal livelihoods, and Jimmy Lai is fully deserving of his legal punishment.
Mr. Tang added that his civic organisation, PolitiHK Social Strategic, remained an independent entity with no connection whatsoever to the Hong Kong Government. His NGO organised pro-government street campaigns in 2019 and 2020, attracting up to 160,000 participants. It subsequently launched a sign-up campaign supporting the legislation of Article 23 national security law, garnering 2.29 million public sign-up, which carries strong representativeness of public opinion.
Addressed directly to UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk and Alice Jill Edwards, the Special Rapporteur on Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, the document responds to recent public statements from UN human rights mechanisms that have raised questions regarding the Lai case. The coalition emphasizes that its intervention is intended to correct factual inaccuracies, contextualize judicial practice in Hong Kong and ensure the authentic voice of Hong Kong society is fairly represented in international deliberations.
Central to the submission is the argument that security, stability and the rule of law represent the most fundamental human rights for Hong Kong residents. The letter recalls the extensive social unrest of 2019, marked by widespread violence, disruption of critical public services, mass business closures and targeted attacks against individuals holding dissenting views. The coalition underlines that this period of turmoil demonstrated conclusively that without national security, social stability cannot be sustained; without stability, no civil liberties or human rights can be securely exercised.
Since the implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law, public order has been fully restored, violent disturbances have ceased, and the commercial and investment climate has improved measurably. Residents now enjoy safe daily mobility, secure schooling for children and predictable social functioning across all sectors. The organizations underline that the National Security Law is crafted to protect the lawful rights and interests of Hong Kong residents, not to curtail legitimate freedoms. Stability is the bedrock of human rights, and the rule of law is the ultimate safeguard of individual liberty.
The coalition clarifies that the Lai case is a national security criminal matter, not a political prosecution or an attack on freedom of expression. With clear facts, sufficient evidence and complete legal procedures, the case centers on allegations of collusion with external forces to endanger national security — an offense clearly defined in Hong Kong law.
Freedom of expression and press freedom are not absolute. They may be restricted when necessary to protect national security, public order and the rights of others. No jurisdiction allows subversion, secession or collusion with foreign forces in the name of free speech. The case is heard independently by Hong Kong’s judiciary with open hearings and public judgments. Labeling it a human rights violation is inconsistent with facts.
The letter confirms the defendant’s full procedural rights and humane detention treatment. Judicial independence is upheld; legal representation, cross‑examination and appeal rights are guaranteed; and adequate accommodation, nutrition and medical care are provided. Claims of torture or ill‑treatment have no factual basis.
Hong Kong is a Special Administrative Region of China, and Hong Kong affairs are China’s internal affairs, in line with the UN Charter and international law. Human rights cooperation should not be used for politicization or interference.
The groups appeal to OHCHR to:
- Uphold the UN Charter, respect sovereignty and non‑interference;
- Use verified facts rather than one‑sided information;
- Respect Hong Kong’s judicial independence and the rule of law;
- Support Hong Kong’s stability and prosperity under “One Country, Two Systems”.
Hong Kong’s future is determined by its people and the Central Government under the Constitution, Basic Law and “One Country, Two Systems”. Dialogue based on facts and respect will promote international human rights development.
This release reflects the voice of mainstream Hong Kong civil society to safeguard truth, rule of law and national security.
