BBC's report on Jimmy Lai's health condition unfounded, misleading: HKSAR government

HONG KONG, Jan. 2 (Xinhua) -- The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government on Thursday condemned the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) for the deliberate unfounded report on Jimmy Lai's health condition in an attempt to fabricate facts to mislead the public and cover up his numerous wrongdoings and conviction by the court.

Hong Kong's Correctional Services Department attaches great importance to the safety and health of persons-in-custody and the custodial arrangements for Lai have been handled in the same way as other persons-in-custody, a spokesperson for the HKSAR government said in a statement.

"The medical services received by Lai in custody are adequate and comprehensive," The spokesperson said.

During the public court hearing in August 2025, the senior counsel representing Lai clearly presented to the court that Lai had all along been receiving appropriate treatment and care in prison. The correctional institutions had been arranging daily medical checkups for Lai and there had been no complaints at all regarding the medical services he was receiving, the spokesperson noted.

Moreover, on the day the court handed down its verdict on Dec. 15, the senior counsel representing Lai stated that everyone in the court could see clearly Lai's health condition when responding to media questions, the spokesperson added.

The spokesperson pointed out that certain individuals with ulterior motives, including Lai's family members and certain media, have ignored these facts and continue to spread lies and engage in despicable acts.

"Their malicious intentions are obvious. The HKSAR government strongly opposes and condemns such acts," the spokesperson said.■