Jimmy Lai's national security trial adjourned to next Mon over heart issues

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Jimmy Lai Chee-ying, the founder of Next Digital, along with three associated companies of Apple Daily, was scheduled to begin closing arguments today in a case involving conspiracy to collude with foreign forces. However, the proceedings were postponed until next Monday after the defense submitted a written request for Lai's absence due to health concerns.

Medical concerns take center stage

The judge, Esther Toh, noted that Lai had recently experienced symptoms of accelerated heart rate and palpitations. 

Despite various tests revealing no abnormalities, it was recommended that he wear a heart monitor and undergo medication treatment. 

Initially, there was a misunderstanding, and Lai refused the treatment. However, the defense clarified that he was indeed willing to wear the monitor and accept medication. 

The prosecution also mentioned that the Correctional Services Department (CSD) had arranged for a medical team to be on standby during the court session.

Strict courtroom atmosphere maintained

During the court session, judicial staff instructed the public to maintain silence and refrain from expressing personal feelings or well-wishes, regardless of whether the judge was present. Anyone violating this rule would be removed from the courtroom.

Lai appeared in court wearing a beige trench coat and black-rimmed glasses, smiling and nodding to the public gallery as he entered. 

The judges, including Esther Toh Lye-ping, Susana Maria D'Almada Remedios, and Alex Lee Wan-tang, allowed Apple Daily Ltd to resume presenting their case, with the company's representative updating the list of evidence before concluding their presentation.

The CSD was praised by Judge Toh for their diligent daily medical care for Lai, including regular checks on his blood pressure and pulse. 

The defense acknowledged the comprehensive medical attention Lai received in custody, stating there were no complaints regarding his treatment.

The court expressed concern for Lai's health and was prepared to accommodate his needs, including wearing the heart monitor. 

The defense mentioned that Lai had indeed experienced severe symptoms recently and was at risk of fainting but did not want his health to detract from the focus on the case or to delay the proceedings unnecessarily.

The session was briefly paused to allow Lai to be fitted with the Holter monitor, and upon resuming, the Correctional Services Department confirmed they would immediately administer the necessary medication but could only prepare the Holter monitor by next Monday.

Path forward for landmark case

Judge Lee highlighted that both the prosecution and defense had submitted detailed written arguments and discouraged reading them verbatim in court, expecting the closing arguments to be completed within ten days.

He added that the court has ample time, and therefore there is no need to rush into the closing arguments today. It is entirely feasible to postpone the commencement of the closing arguments until next Monday (Aug 18).

The case has ultimately been adjourned to next Monday (Aug 18) at 10am. It is expected that by the time the court reconvenes, the CSD will have equipped Jimmy Lai with a monitor.

The case, which has attracted significant media attention both domestically and internationally, is being heard by three judges designated under the Hong Kong National Security Law. 

The prosecution is represented by the deputy commissioner of prosecution and senior officials, while Lai's defense includes several prominent lawyers from Hong Kong and New Zealand.

With the evidence phase completed in March, the court has postponed the case to allow both sides to prepare for the closing arguments. 

The courtroom and three additional rooms have been arranged to accommodate the media and public, reflecting the high level of interest in this case.