Overview

• Closing arguments concluded on Aug. 28, and the three-judge national security panel has retired to deliberate with no verdict date set as the court said parties will be informed "in good time."
• Lai has pleaded not guilty to two counts of colluding with foreign forces under the 2020 national security law and one count of sedition tied to Apple Daily content, with possible sentences ranging from three years to life.
• Prosecutors portray Lai as the "mastermind" who used Apple Daily and foreign contacts to seek sanctions against Hong Kong and China, arguing his intent continued after the law took effect.
• Defense lawyers argue the case lacks a legal and factual basis, say much evidence predates the law, dispute any post-2020 conspiracy, and urge judges to disregard testimony from witness Chan Tsz-wah as unreliable.
• The non-jury trial stretched to roughly 160 days with delays over Lai’s heart palpitations, drew sustained scrutiny from diplomats and rights groups, and any conviction would be followed by a separate sentencing phase.