HONG KONG (AP) – The final arguments in the national security trial of prominent Hong Kong activist Jimmy Lai have been postponed due to medical concerns. On Friday, Lai's lawyer reported that the 77-year-old founder of the Apple Daily newspaper experienced heart palpitations and felt unsteady, prompting the judges to ensure he received medical treatment before proceedings continued.
Lai has been incarcerated since his arrest in 2020 under a national security law enacted by Beijing in response to the anti-government protests of 2019. He faces serious charges, including colluding with foreign forces to undermine national security and conspiring to produce seditious publications. If convicted, Lai could face life imprisonment. The landmark case has extended over 140 days, significantly longer than the initial estimate of 80 days, drawing significant attention as a critical test of press freedom and judicial independence in Hong Kong.
The closing statements were initially set to commence on Thursday; however, they were postponed due to heavy rains from Tropical Storm Podul. On Friday, lawyer Robert Pang expressed concerns about Lai's health status, explaining that he had not received recommended medications or a heart monitor. Judge Esther Toh ruled to delay the hearing until Monday to allow for Lai's medical evaluation.
Despite his health issues, Lai entered the courtroom smiling and acknowledged supporters in the public gallery. His detention has garnered international attention, with figures such as U.S. President Donald Trump expressing interest in his release. In a recent interview, Trump mischaracterized his previous statement concerning Lai, claiming he had only promised to advocate for his release rather than guarantee it.
Concerns about Lai's health have been echoed by rights groups and his son, Sebastien Lai, who warned that his father could pass away at any moment. Reporters Without Borders reported that Lai has spent over 1,680 days in solitary confinement, with his health reportedly deteriorating. The organization has called upon the international community to act to secure the immediate release of Lai and six other former executives of Apple Daily involved in this case.
In response, the Hong Kong government dismissed statements regarding Lai's treatment as "slanderous remarks" from external entities, including what they termed "anti-China media organizations." As anticipation built for the hearing, dozens of supporters lined up outside the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts to secure a seat inside. Some waited for hours in heavy rain the day before, including resident Margaret Chan, who expressed that Lai's case highlights the decline in press freedom in Hong Kong, praising him for his significant sacrifices.
Chan remarked, "To me, he’s a great person. He made such a big sacrifice. He’s so rich. He could have predicted this, and he could have left."
