Critics of the former media boss’ sentencing should remember that he was not on trial for his beliefs, but rather for a clearly defined crime against national security
Few will disagree that freedom of speech is not limitless. The law on libel is a good example. It is universally accepted that freedom of speech should not extend into realms of doing harm to the reputation of others, let alone promoting hatred.
In Lai’s case, any discussion of this charge must be viewed in the light that under the sedition law, the maximum punishment of a first offender is two years. Lai’s sentence is set to last longer than two years, so in that sense, the sedition charge is the least relevant.
Source: News - South China Morning Post
