Verdict deliberations loom over Jimmy Lai as court concludes

The high-profile national security trial of Jimmy Lai Chee-ying concluded on Thursday with closing arguments completed, though the court did not indicate when a verdict would be reached.

The Hong Kong court has finished hearing the closing arguments in the national security trial of Lai, marking a significant milestone in the proceedings that began last December.

The 77-year-old founder of the now-shuttered Apple Daily newspaper faces serious charges of conspiring to collude with foreign forces under the national security law.

The prosecution accuses Lai of using various platforms to lobby Western governments to sanction China and Hong Kong. 

In addition to the collusion charges, which carry potential life imprisonment, Lai also faces seditious publication charges related to 161 articles, including opinion pieces published under his name.

The presentation of closing arguments by lawyers unfolded over ten days this month, following two prior delays to the proceedings.

The scheduled hearings were initially postponed due to severe weather conditions and subsequently to address the necessary medical attention required by the defendant.

The defense team had previously raised concerns about their client experiencing heart palpitations and episodes where he felt close to collapsing. 

Following medical intervention, including prescribed medication and a heart rate monitor, Lai continued to attend court sessions without visible signs of discomfort.

After ten days of closing arguments this month, the three-judge panel concluded hearing all evidence and legal submissions from both prosecution and defense teams. 

Judge Esther Toh Lye-ping indicated that the judiciary would inform both parties in a timely manner once they are prepared to deliver their verdict.