A Hong Kong court has concluded closing submissions in the national security trial of media tycoon Jimmy Lai. The court announced that the verdict will be delivered at a later date. The case has garnered significant international attention, viewed as a crucial test of the rule of law within the Chinese-administered financial hub.
The trial, which commenced in December 2023, spanned 156 days. It stands as the most prominent example of China's actions against rights and freedoms in Hong Kong. These actions are implemented under a comprehensive national security law, enacted following large-scale pro-democracy demonstrations in 2019.
Judge Esther Toh, one of the three presiding judges, stated that the date of the verdict would be announced "in good time." The 77-year-old Lai, founder of the now-defunct pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily, has entered a plea of not guilty to charges of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and conspiracy to publish seditious material.
5 Comments
Rotfront
Support for law and order should bring us together; let's not forget the importance of stability.
Habibi
The national security law is vital for ensuring stability and peace in Hong Kong after the chaos of 2019.
ZmeeLove
We all know the verdict is predetermined. This is just a show trial to appease the mainland authorities.
Coccinella
If this can happen to a media tycoon, what hope is there for the average citizen in Hong Kong?
Africa
Judge Esther Toh's comments about announcing the verdict in 'good time' just show this is all scripted.