Health Concerns Delay Final Arguments in Jimmy Lai's Trial

HONG KONG, Aug 15 (AP) - The final arguments in the national security trial of prominent Hong Kong activist Jimmy Lai have been postponed after his lawyer reported that the former pro-democracy newspaper founder experienced heart palpitations. The judges prioritized his medical treatment.

Jimmy Lai, the 77-year-old founder of the now-defunct Apple Daily newspaper, was arrested in 2020 under a national security law imposed by Beijing after the 2019 anti-government protests.

He is charged with colluding with foreign forces to compromise national security and conspiring with others for seditious publications. A conviction could lead to a life imprisonment sentence.

Lai's trial, now lasting over 140 days—far exceeding the anticipated 80 days—is seen as an indicator of press freedom and judicial independence in the Asian financial hub.

Initially, closing statements were set for Thursday but were delayed by Tropical Storm Podul's heavy rains.

On Friday, Robert Pang, Lai's lawyer, informed the court that Lai felt unsteady and had experienced heart palpitations. While Lai expressed his desire not to disrupt proceedings, Judge Esther Toh highlighted that Lai had not yet received necessary medication and a heart monitor. The court rescheduled the hearing to Monday.

Upon entering the courtroom, Lai smiled and acknowledged those in the public gallery.

Lai's detention has caught the attention of international governments. U.S. President Donald Trump, before last November's election, was questioned on whether he would engage Chinese leader Xi Jinping to secure Lai's release, to which Trump responded, “One hundred percent, I will get him out.” However, in a Thursday Fox News radio interview, Trump denied saying he would “100%” save Lai, clarifying, “I said, 100%, I'm going to be bringing it up. And I've already brought it up, and I'm going to do everything I can to save him.”

Concerns about Lai's health have been raised by his son and rights groups. Earlier, his son Sebastien Lai expressed fears for his father's wellbeing in Washington, suggesting the situation could soon become dire.

Global media watchdog Reporters Without Borders stated on Tuesday that Lai has been in solitary confinement for over 1,680 days, warning that his health is worsening. In its statement, the organization called for international action to ensure the immediate release of Lai and six other Apple Daily executives involved in the case.

The Hong Kong government, on Wednesday, rejected what it termed “slanderous remarks” by foreign entities and “anti-China media organizations” regarding the case and Lai's treatment.

Ahead of the hearing, numerous people queued outside the court to secure access to the main courtroom. Some waited for hours in Thursday’s heavy rain, including Margaret Chan, a resident who arrived before 5:30 am on Friday.

Chan commented that Lai's case represents a decline in Hong Kong's press freedom. “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,” she noted.

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