2LT International News

HONG KONG: The closing arguments in the national security trial of Hong Kong pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai were unexpectedly postponed on August 15 after his lawyer reported that Lai had suffered heart palpitations.

The 77-year-old, founder of the now-defunct Apple Daily newspaper, was granted an adjournment until August 18 so he could receive medication and a heart monitor. Lai has pleaded not guilty to two counts of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and one count of conspiracy to publish seditious material.

Defence lawyer Robert Pang told the court that Lai had recently experienced episodes where he felt close to collapsing. While a visiting medical specialist had recommended treatment and monitoring, arrangements had not yet been completed. Judge Esther Toh expressed concern, noting that Lai had yet to receive the prescribed medication or equipment.

Prosecutor Anthony Chau said a medical team was on standby at the court and confirmed that the recommended treatment and monitoring would be provided before proceedings resumed.

Lai, a British citizen, has been held in solitary confinement for more than 1,700 days. His son has previously voiced fears over his declining health. The case is being closely watched abroad, with Western governments — including the United States — calling for Lai’s release and describing the trial as politically motivated. Hong Kong and Beijing authorities have rejected these claims, insisting Lai is receiving a fair trial and criticising foreign “interference” in domestic affairs.

On August 14, U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters he would “do everything I can to save him.” Diplomats from at least seven countries attended the hearing, which is expected to see closing submissions run for eight days before the panel of three judges begins deliberations — a process that could take months. Lai was first arrested in August 2020.

Arriving in court in a white windbreaker, Lai smiled and waved to his family and supporters, some of whom queued for hours to secure seats in the packed public gallery. His trial, which began in December 2023, stems from Hong Kong’s sweeping national security law introduced in 2020.

In his testimony, Lai defended his actions as a fight for free speech and denied accusations that he sought to persuade the U.S. to impose sanctions on Hong Kong or China. His Apple Daily was forced to close in June 2021 after a police raid and the freezing of its assets — a move widely viewed by critics as a decisive blow to press freedom in the city.