Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai, 77, appeared in court Monday for final arguments in his national security trial as he faces potential life imprisonment on charges of colluding with foreign forces and conspiracy to publish seditious materials. The landmark trial of the Apple Daily newspaper founder, which has extended beyond 150 days, is being watched as a test of press freedom and judicial independence in Hong Kong .
Prosecutor Anthony Chau presented arguments regarding the security law's collusion charges, focusing on sanctions against officials. The prosecution has alleged that Lai sought actions from foreign countries, particularly the United States, against Beijing while claiming to fight for democracy and freedom, according to a report by Associated Press.
During his testimony, Lai denied requesting then-vice president Mike Pence and then-secretary of state Mike Pompeo to take action against Hong Kong and China during the 2019 protests. However, when questioned about an Apple Daily report indicating he had asked the US government to sanction Beijing and Hong Kong leaders, Lai acknowledged discussing it with Pompeo.
Lai stated he would not have encouraged foreign sanctions after the implementation of the national security law on June 30, 2020. The closing arguments faced multiple delays due to weather conditions and concerns about Lai's health, including heart palpitations reported while in prison.
The Hong Kong government responded to reports about Lai's medical care, stating that a medical examination found no abnormalities and that he received adequate care in custody. The prosecutor confirmed that Lai received a heart monitor and reported no health complaints.
"I will get him out," U.S. President Donald Trump said before his November election victory, referring to seeking Lai's release in talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. In a subsequent Fox News radio interview, Trump clarified: "I've already brought it up, and I'm going to do everything I can to save him."
China has responded by accusing Lai of inciting anti-China sentiments in Hong Kong and opposing foreign interference in its internal affairs. The case has drawn international attention, with foreign governments and rights groups expressing concern over Lai's prolonged solitary confinement.
Former Apple Daily reader Susan Li, who waited in the rain to attend the court proceedings, expressed concern about Lai's apparent weight loss, stating, "I wanted to let him know we are still here."
Lai's arrest in 2020 followed the implementation of Beijing's national security law, which was enacted after the 2019 anti-government protests. The law has raised questions about Hong Kong's autonomy, despite China's promise to maintain the city's civil liberties for 50 years following its 1997 return from British rule.
The trial's duration has significantly exceeded its initial estimate of 80 days, with no clear indication of when a verdict will be delivered. During the proceedings, Lai was observed waving and smiling to attendees in the public gallery while occasionally closing his eyes during the prosecution's legal arguments.
Critics argue that Hong Kong's promised freedoms have diminished since the security law's introduction, though Chinese and Hong Kong authorities maintain the legislation was necessary for the city's stability. The case continues to draw public interest, with people queuing in adverse weather conditions to observe the proceedings.
Prosecutor Anthony Chau presented arguments regarding the security law's collusion charges, focusing on sanctions against officials. The prosecution has alleged that Lai sought actions from foreign countries, particularly the United States, against Beijing while claiming to fight for democracy and freedom, according to a report by Associated Press.
During his testimony, Lai denied requesting then-vice president Mike Pence and then-secretary of state Mike Pompeo to take action against Hong Kong and China during the 2019 protests. However, when questioned about an Apple Daily report indicating he had asked the US government to sanction Beijing and Hong Kong leaders, Lai acknowledged discussing it with Pompeo.
Lai stated he would not have encouraged foreign sanctions after the implementation of the national security law on June 30, 2020. The closing arguments faced multiple delays due to weather conditions and concerns about Lai's health, including heart palpitations reported while in prison.
The Hong Kong government responded to reports about Lai's medical care, stating that a medical examination found no abnormalities and that he received adequate care in custody. The prosecutor confirmed that Lai received a heart monitor and reported no health complaints.
"I will get him out," U.S. President Donald Trump said before his November election victory, referring to seeking Lai's release in talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. In a subsequent Fox News radio interview, Trump clarified: "I've already brought it up, and I'm going to do everything I can to save him."
China has responded by accusing Lai of inciting anti-China sentiments in Hong Kong and opposing foreign interference in its internal affairs. The case has drawn international attention, with foreign governments and rights groups expressing concern over Lai's prolonged solitary confinement.
Former Apple Daily reader Susan Li, who waited in the rain to attend the court proceedings, expressed concern about Lai's apparent weight loss, stating, "I wanted to let him know we are still here."
Lai's arrest in 2020 followed the implementation of Beijing's national security law, which was enacted after the 2019 anti-government protests. The law has raised questions about Hong Kong's autonomy, despite China's promise to maintain the city's civil liberties for 50 years following its 1997 return from British rule.
The trial's duration has significantly exceeded its initial estimate of 80 days, with no clear indication of when a verdict will be delivered. During the proceedings, Lai was observed waving and smiling to attendees in the public gallery while occasionally closing his eyes during the prosecution's legal arguments.
Critics argue that Hong Kong's promised freedoms have diminished since the security law's introduction, though Chinese and Hong Kong authorities maintain the legislation was necessary for the city's stability. The case continues to draw public interest, with people queuing in adverse weather conditions to observe the proceedings.
