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4w ago

Jimmy Lai’s National Security Trial Enters Final Stretch as Defence Begins Closing Argument

The 77-year-old faces a potential life term under Beijing’s security law in a case widely viewed as a test of press freedom.

Image
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

Overview

  • Prosecutors concluded their final submission by asserting there is overwhelming evidence that Lai masterminded a long-running effort to solicit sanctions and other hostile measures against Chinese and Hong Kong authorities.
  • Lai’s lawyer opened the defence’s closing argument, saying support for free expression and human rights is not criminal conduct and arguing that 161 Apple Daily articles are insufficient to prove a conspiracy.
  • Judges confirmed Lai was fitted with a heart monitor and given medication after reported palpitations, with the court saying he is fit to attend and ready to allow extra breaks if needed.
  • The closing phase follows brief delays caused by torrential rain and health concerns, and the three-judge panel is expected to deliver a verdict later this year after roughly a week of submissions.
  • Lai, who has pleaded not guilty, has been held since 2020 under the 2020 security law that permits non-jury trials, drawing international calls for his release that Hong Kong and Chinese authorities reject as interference.