Lai’s lawyer told the court that the imprisoned Hong Kong media mogul had felt unsteady
Closing arguments in the national security trial of Jimmy Lai have been postponed so the media mogul and activist can receive medical treatment.
Lai, 77, stands accused of foreign collusion under Hong Kong’s national security law. He has been detained since 2020, largely in solitary confinement, on convictions related to the 2019 pro-democracy protests, and on remand for the national security trial. Lai has pleaded not guilty, denying calling for sanctions against China and Hong Kong and saying he never advocated separatism.
On Friday, the final arguments for the long-running trial were expected to begin after having been delayed on Thursday by heavy rains from ex-tropical cyclone Podul. However his lawyer, Robert Tang, told the court Lai had felt unsteady and experienced heart palpitations. He said Lai didn’t want to disturb the court, but believed the episodes were brought on by the fatigue of coming to court.
Judge Esther Toh said he should speak up if he was uncomfortable.
