Overview

• Closing arguments concluded and the court said it will announce the verdict "in good time," with no date set and a written judgment potentially weeks or months away.
• The marathon trial began in December 2023, ran roughly 156–160 days, and included about 52 days of testimony from Lai, who has been jailed since 2020.
• Prosecutors say Lai used Apple Daily and advocacy networks to seek foreign sanctions against Hong Kong and China, portraying him as the conspiracy’s mastermind.
• The defense argues the case criminalizes protected speech and lacks post–June 2020 evidence, urging judges to discount a key witness they labeled a "serial liar."
• Proceedings were briefly paused after Lai reported heart palpitations; he received medication and a heart monitor as diplomats and rights groups closely observed the case.