Closing Arguments in Lai Trial Set

The Apple Daily founder faces potential life terms as final submissions approach in Hong Kong.

Closing Arguments Begin for Jimmy Lai National Security Trial

Jailed Hong Kong media magnate Jimmy Lai, founder of Apple Daily, is in the final stage of his national security trial, which began in late 2023. He faces foreign collusion charges under the security law and a separate seditious publication count tied to 161 op-eds. Lai has been in custody since December 2020, with reports of solitary confinement, a fact that has drawn criticism from Western governments and rights groups.

Prosecutors showed a diagram of Lai's external political connections, arguing he wielded influence in the United States, Britain and Taiwan. Two witnesses testified Lai helped fund the Stand With Hong Kong campaign to run overseas newspaper ads supporting the 2019 protests. Lai denies calling for sanctions against China or Hong Kong and says Apple Daily championed democracy and the rule of law. He testified for more than 50 days, describing his political beliefs, management style and overseas contacts, and has described himself as a political prisoner, a label the judges challenged during the proceedings.

Apple Daily was forced to close in 2021 after police raids and the arrests of its editors. Judges have indicated a verdict could come by October. Lai, a British citizen, has seen calls from family and supporters urging intervention from foreign governments, while authorities defend the case as being handled strictly on the basis of evidence and in accordance with the law.

The Lai trial sits at the intersection of security power and press freedom, a tension that defines Hong Kong’s post‑handover media environment. Critics argue that using broad national security tools to police political speech risks chilling dissent and narrowing the scope for independent journalism. Proponents say the case demonstrates a legal process that treats alleged foreign influence and seditious activity with due seriousness, regardless of public sentiment. The international glare around Lai’s treatment highlights how quickly security laws can reshape the city’s reputation as a place for free expression.

Beyond Lai’s case, the outcome could influence how other outlets and political actors operate in Hong Kong. If the verdict reinforces strong penalties for perceived cross-border advocacy, mainstream media and smaller publishers alike may temper coverage of sensitive topics. Yet supporters view the trial as a necessary enforcement of law in a city wrestling with security and sovereignty. The coming decision will test how much room remains for independent reporting under a tightened framework of oversight and control.

Highlights

The next steps will reveal how Hong Kong balances security concerns with the need for open reporting.