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Closing Arguments Resume in Jimmy Lai’s National Security Trial After Health Scare

Prosecutors say his alleged lobbying continued after the security law took effect.

A prison van believed to be carrying Jimmy Lai arrives at the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts building for the closing submissions in the national security collusion trial of Jimmy Lai, founder of the now-defunct pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily, in Hong Kong, China, August 18, 2025. REUTERS/Tyrone Siu TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
A vehicle carrying Hong Kong media mogul Jimmy Lai arrives outside the West Kowloon court where Lai's national security trial is being held in Hong Kong on Monday.
Hong Kong pro-democracy media mogul Jimmy Lai is facing up to life in prison at his national security trial
Members of media wait outside the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts building for the closing submissions in the national security collusion trial of Jimmy Lai, founder of the now-defunct pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily, in Hong Kong, China, August 15, 2025. REUTERS/Lam Yik

Overview

  • The West Kowloon court reconvened Monday after judges paused hearings to secure a heart monitor and medication for the 77-year-old, with prosecutors confirming he is fit to proceed and a verdict date not set.
  • Lai has pleaded not guilty to conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and to conspiracy to publish seditious material, offenses that could bring a life sentence.
  • Lead prosecutor Anthony Chau opened multi-day closings by arguing Lai persisted in seeking sanctions, blockades or other hostile actions through long-term foreign contacts beyond June 30, 2020.
  • The defense argues Lai’s outreach was lawful before the law’s enactment and that he did not solicit hostile foreign action afterward, disputing a continuing conspiracy.
  • Rights groups and Western governments renewed pressure over his detention and health as Hong Kong and Chinese authorities defended the proceedings and rejected external interference.