Overview

• Defense lawyer Robert Pang argued that Jimmy Lai’s social posts and commentary amounted to ordinary punditry rather than coordinated requests for sanctions.
• The three-judge national security panel, including Judge Esther Toh, repeatedly challenged that interpretation while reviewing Lai’s posts and a 2020 livestream reference to Xi Jinping stepping down.
• Prosecutors cite 161 articles and other materials to support charges of foreign collusion and seditious publication that, if proven, could result in a life sentence.
• Final submissions resumed after torrential rain delays and reports of heart palpitations that led to Lai being fitted with a heart-rate monitor and prescribed medication.
• Rights groups pressed for his release, with Reporters Without Borders and 72 organizations urging UK leader Keir Starmer to act, as Hong Kong officials rejected outside criticism and President Donald Trump pledged to do everything he can to save Lai.