Trial arguments for Jimmy Lai delayed by Hong Kong court
In the heart of Hong Kong, the historic trial of Jimmy Lai, founder of the pro-democracy Apple Daily newspaper, is approaching its final stages. The trial, which began in December 2023 and has extended over 150 days due to multiple delays, is now in the midst of closing arguments, having started in mid-August 2025.
Lai, aged 77, is charged with sedition and conspiracy to collude with foreign forces under Hong Kong's national security law, a charge that could potentially lead to a life sentence if convicted. His health has significantly deteriorated after nearly five years in solitary confinement, prompting international organisations like the Committee to Protect Journalists and Reporters Without Borders to call for his unconditional release.
The trial has become a focal point for concerns over press freedom and the independence of Hong Kong's judiciary. The judiciary has come under scrutiny for its handling of the case, notably dismissing freedom of expression as a defense and emphasizing "limits" on fundamental rights, reflecting a shift towards a more restrictive legal environment under the national security law.
The trial is emblematic of the broader crackdown on pro-democracy voices and press freedom in Hong Kong. The closure of Apple Daily, once a leading pro-democracy outlet, exemplifies the shrinking media space. Lai's prosecution signals a hardening stance towards dissent and foreign influence allegations, reshaping Hong Kong's media landscape away from its former openness.
Western nations and rights groups have voiced their concerns, with Antoine Bernard of Reporters Without Borders criticizing Lai's treatment as an attempt to silence and suppress press freedom. Hong Kong authorities, however, have rejected such criticism, stating that the case is being handled according to evidence and law.
The trial took an unexpected break on Thursday due to a high-level rainstorm warning issued by the city's weather observatory. This marked the fifth time in 2025 that Hong Kong issued a "black" rainstorm warning.
Throughout the trial, Lai has given courtroom testimony over more than 50 days. Despite the rebukes from the three-judge panel, who have dismissed his self-description as a "political prisoner," Lai has remained defiant, maintaining his stance as a voice for democracy in Hong Kong.
The national security law, imposed by Beijing following pro-democracy protests in 2019, has brought significant changes to Hong Kong's legal landscape, with Lai also charged with "seditious publication" related to 161 op-eds he allegedly wrote. As the trial enters its final stages, the world watches with bated breath, hoping for a just resolution in this landmark case.
[1] BBC News. (2025, August 15). Jimmy Lai's national security trial enters final stages. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-58367603
[2] South China Morning Post. (2025, August 15). Jimmy Lai trial: National security law case enters final stages. Retrieved from https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3168558/jimmy-lai-trial-national-security-law-case-enters
[3] Amnesty International. (2025, August 15). Jimmy Lai: Hong Kong authorities must drop national security charges against pro-democracy media tycoon. Retrieved from https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2025/08/jimmy-lai-hong-kong-authorities-must-drop-national-security-charges-against-pro-democracy-media-tycoon/
[4] Committee to Protect Journalists. (2025, August 15). Hong Kong: Drop charges against Jimmy Lai. Retrieved from https://cpj.org/2025/08/hong-kong-drop-charges-against-jimmy-lai.php
War and conflicts are often linked to political landscapes, and the Jimmy Lai case, a general news topic, exemplifies this, as it is rooted in Hong Kong's political changes under the national security law. Crime and justice intersect with this case, as Lai faces charges of sedition and conspiracy, which carry severe consequences if convicted.
