Prosecutors concluded closing arguments alleging Jimmy Lai had unwavering intent to solicit foreign sanctions, blockade, or hostile activities through his media outlet and foreign political connections. Lai pleaded not guilty to two counts of conspiring to commit foreign collusion under the Beijing-designed national security law and one colonial-era sedition charge for conspiring to publish seditious materials. Prosecutors argued Apple Daily articles falsely portrayed Chinese authorities as oppressors to lobby for foreign intervention and punitive measures. The prosecution described these collaborations as long-term and persistent. The 77-year-old faces life in prison if convicted. The trial has exceeded 140 days, delayed by weather and Lai's heart-related health concerns.
Prosecutors in Jimmy Lai's marathon national security trial have wrapped up their closing arguments in Hong Kong, telling the court that the elderly media mogul and activist had unwavering intent to solicit foreign sanctions. Lai has pleaded not guilty to two charges of conspiring to commit foreign collusion under the Beijing-designed national security law, and another charge under the colonial-era sedition laws of conspiring to publish seditious materials.
The prosecutor Anthony Chau told the court that Lai showed unwavering intent to solicit [sanctions, blockade, or hostile activities] from foreign countries. These collaborations are long-term and persistent, Chau added. The 77-year-old faces life in jail if found guilty. The closing arguments were scheduled to begin last Thursday but the court was delayed by bad weather for a day, and then further postponed over health concerns related to Lai's heart.
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