Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai’s trial under the national security law has concluded after almost two years of proceedings. The case against the 77-year-old Lai has attracted significant international attention, with world leaders and global rights groups closely monitoring the outcome as a potential indicator of Hong Kong’s commitment to the rule of law and freedoms.
Closing arguments in the trial were completed on Thursday, following repeated delays due to adverse weather conditions and health concerns for Lai. The date for the verdict has been set for a later time.
Who is Jimmy Lai?
Before his national security trial, Lai was widely recognized as one of Hong Kong’s most notable success stories, having built a substantial business empire in the city over several decades. His business interests included the now-closed pro-democracy tabloid Apple Daily. Unlike many members of Hong Kong’s business elite, Lai openly criticized the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), which took control of Hong Kong in 1997, and supported the city’s democracy movement. As a result, he faced prosecution, with Beijing viewing him as a high-profile figure who challenged CCP authority.
What are the charges?
Lai was arrested in August 2020, shortly after Beijing implemented a national security law in Hong Kong, which criminalizes secession, subversion, terrorism, and collusion with foreign forces. After numerous delays, his trial commenced in December 2023. Lai faces two counts of conspiring with foreign forces under the national security law and one count of sedition under a colonial-era statute. Prosecutors claim that Lai encouraged Hong Kong residents to join antigovernment protests in 2019 and urged foreign countries to sanction the Hong Kong and Chinese governments. If found guilty, Lai could face life imprisonment. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Why is his trial controversial?
Lai’s prosecution has been depicted by UN observers and Western governments as politically motivated. There have been numerous irregularities throughout his prosecution, including arbitrary detention, denial of his lawyer of choice, and convictions on public order and commercial fraud charges. These actions were seen as tactics to keep Lai in jail before his trial.
What does Hong Kong say?
The Hong Kong government asserts that Lai’s case is being handled strictly based on evidence and in accordance with the law. The government considers criticism of the trial as an attempt to interfere with the court’s independent exercise of judicial power. Hong Kong authorities also defend the national security law as a necessary measure to restore peace and stability after the 2019 protests turned violent.
When is the verdict expected?
A date for the verdict has not been set yet, and it could take weeks or even months to announce the court’s decision. Lai’s guilt or innocence will be determined by three national security judges selected by Hong Kong’s chief executive, who reports to Beijing. Sutherland predicts that the court will find Lai guilty on all counts due to his prominence and the increased influence of the government on Hong Kong’s judicial system.
Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/8/28/who-is-jimmy-lai-hong-kongs-jailed-media-tycoon?traffic_source=rss
