Hong Kong Trial Of Pro-Democracy Businessman Jimmy Lai Delayed Over Health Issues

HONG KONG, August 15 (Reuters) – The closing submissions in a nationwide safety trial in opposition to Hong Kong pro-democracy businessman Jimmy Lai had been delayed on Friday after his lawyer stated he had suffered coronary heart palpitations.

The closing submissions will recommence on Monday after the courtroom adjourned to permit Lai, 77, to acquire treatment and a coronary heart monitor. Lai, who based the Apple Every day newspaper that was pressured to shut after a police raid and asset freeze in June 2021, has pleaded not responsible to 2 costs of conspiracy to collude with international forces, and a cost of conspiracy to publish seditious materials.

His lawyer Robert Pang instructed the courtroom that Lai skilled some episodes the place he felt like “collapsing”, including he had accepted suggestions by a visiting medical specialist however the preparations had been nonetheless being made.

“He hasn’t acquired the treatment really helpful by the specialist nor the monitor, so I’m a little bit involved,” stated one of many judges, Esther Toh.

Lai, a British citizen, has been held in solitary confinement for greater than 1,700 days, along with his son beforehand elevating considerations over his deteriorating well being.

Prosecutor Anthony Chau instructed the courtroom {that a} medical staff was on standby within the courtroom, and that the treatment and coronary heart monitor could be supplied earlier than the listening to recommences on Monday. Some Western governments, together with the U.S., have referred to as for Lai’s quick launch, saying the trial is politically motivated below a years-long nationwide safety crackdown within the China-ruled monetary hub. Hong Kong and Chinese language authorities have stated Lai is being given a good trial and condemned international governments for meddling in home affairs. U.S. President Donald Trump stated in a media interview on Thursday that he would “do every part I can to save lots of him.”

Diplomats from at the very least seven nations attended the listening to, with the closing submissions anticipated to final eight days. The three judges are then anticipated to deliberate for a number of months earlier than laying down a verdict ― over 5 years after Lai was first arrested in August 2020.

Lai arrived on the courtroom on Friday sporting a white windproof jacket and smiled and waved to his household and supporters — a few of whom queued for hours to get a ticket for the packed courtroom.

His nationwide safety trial started in December 2023. Within the witness field, Lai stated he was defending free speech and rejected allegations that he lobbied the U.S. to impose sanctions on Hong Kong and China.

(Enhancing by Greg Torode and Saad Sayeed)