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3h ago

Hong Kong Court Starts Closing Arguments in Jimmy Lai’s Security Trial

Lai attends closing arguments in court-approved medical gear with prosecutors detailing allegations of persistent U.S. collusion.

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.
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
People wait to enter the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts ahead of the closing statements for Hong Kong activist publisher Jimmy Lai's national security trial in Hong Kong, Thursday, Aug. 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Chan Long Hei)

Overview

  • The court began closing arguments on August 18 after two adjournments caused by severe weather and Lai’s reported heart palpitations.
  • Judges authorized medication and a heart monitor for the 77-year-old defendant, with a medical expert declaring him fit to proceed.
  • Prosecutors allege Lai repeatedly lobbied U.S. figures to take hostile measures against Beijing under the guise of fighting for democracy.
  • Lai has pleaded not guilty to colluding with foreign forces and conspiring to publish seditious material, facing up to life in prison if convicted.
  • Rights groups and Western governments view the case as a key test of Hong Kong’s press freedom and judicial independence, and the verdict date remains unset.