Hong Kong has again delayed the trial of media mogul Jimmy Lai, this time due to the need for a heart monitoring device, marking the second postponement in a single week for the veteran democracy advocate.
The 77-year-old Apple Daily founder faces a foreign collusion charge under Hong Kong’s national security law, introduced by Beijing after the massive pro-democracy protests of 2019.
Closing arguments had been set for Thursday, but heavy rain forced the suspension of court sessions. When proceedings resumed on Friday, defence lawyer Robert Pang told the court that Lai had heart “palpitations” and felt like he was “collapsing.”
Behind bars since December 2020, reportedly in solitary confinement, Lai has long been the subject of health concerns. Pang told AFP the defence sought to excuse him from closing arguments, saying he is not required to speak.
“(Lai) believes the episodes will occur when he is fatigued, and coming to court fatigues him,” Pang said.
Judge Esther Toh told Lai he could signal any discomfort during hearings and “should not worry about disturbing the court.” She noted prison medical checks had found “no abnormality” but arranged for a wearable monitor and medication.
Judge Alex Lee ordered that proceedings resume on Monday, calling the move “prudent” given the pending medical arrangements.
‘The world is watching’
The trial, underway since December 2023, is nearing its conclusion while Western governments and rights groups continue to press for Lai’s freedom.
Alongside the foreign collusion charge, which carries a potential life sentence, Lai faces a “seditious publication” accusation linked to 161 opinion pieces.
READ ALSO: NFIU Raises Alarm over ₦48bn Suspicious Transfers to Dubai, Hong Kong
The Committee to Protect Journalists said Thursday that “the world is watching how Hong Kong treats its journalists.”
US president Donald Trump told a Fox News radio programme he had once raised Lai’s case with Chinese President Xi Jinping. “I’m going to do everything I can to save him… you could also understand President Xi would not be exactly thrilled,” Trump was quoted as saying.
On Wednesday, Hong Kong authorities said they “strongly disapproved and rejected the slanderous remarks made by external forces” over the case.
A British citizen, Lai has also drawn appeals from his son Sebastien, who said: “I don’t want my father to die in jail.”
‘Political prisoner’
Over more than 50 days of testimony, Lai has faced questions on his political beliefs, leadership approach, and overseas ties.
He has twice referred to himself as a “political prisoner,” prompting sharp responses from the three-judge panel. Prosecutors presented a chart titled “(Lai’s) external political connections,” alleging he wielded influence in the US, UK, and Taiwan.
Lai denies advocating sanctions against China or Hong Kong, and rejects claims of separatist activity.
Apple Daily ceased publication in 2021 following police raids and arrests of top editors.
On Friday, a former employee surnamed Chang joined supporters outside the court, calling Lai a “caring” boss. “His health worsened after he was taken into custody, but I think his spirit is strong, and I hope he can persist,” Chang told AFP.