Hong Kong Postpones Jimmy Lai Trial After Heart Scare

 

The national security trial of Hong Kong pro-democracy businessman Jimmy Lai was delayed on Friday after his lawyer reported that the 77-year-old experienced heart palpitations and moments where he felt like collapsing.

Lai, who founded the Apple Daily newspaper before its closure in 2021 following a police raid and asset freeze, has pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and conspiracy to publish seditious material.

His lawyer, Robert Pang, told the court that Lai had accepted medical recommendations from a specialist but had not yet received the prescribed medication or heart monitor.

Judge Esther Toh expressed concern about his condition.

Prosecutor Anthony Chau said a medical team was on standby in court and that the necessary equipment would be provided before the hearing resumed on Monday.

Lai, a British citizen, has been in solitary confinement for over 1,700 days.

His son has repeatedly raised concerns about his declining health.

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The trial, which began in December 2023, is one of the most high-profile national security cases since China imposed its sweeping security law on Hong Kong.

Lai has testified that he was defending free speech and denied allegations of lobbying the United States to impose sanctions on Hong Kong and China.

Diplomats from at least seven countries attended Friday’s hearing, reflecting intense international scrutiny.

The closing submissions, expected to take eight days, will be followed by several months of judicial deliberation before a verdict is reached  more than five years after Lai’s arrest in August 2020.

The United States and several other Western governments have called for Lai’s immediate release, describing the trial as politically motivated.

U.S. President Donald Trump said in a recent interview that he would do everything possible to save Lai.

Hong Kong and Chinese authorities have dismissed these criticisms, insisting that Lai is receiving a fair trial and accusing foreign governments of interfering in domestic affairs.

On Friday, Lai appeared in court wearing a white windproof jacket, smiling and waving to his supporters and family members, many of whom had queued for hours to enter the packed courtroom.

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