Southeast Asia Information Port (www.dnyxxg.com) – The trial of Jimmy Lai, a pro-independence figure and three companies affiliated with Apple Daily, for allegedly violating the Hong Kong National Security Law, opened in Hong Kong on the 15th. The Hong Kong High Court ruled that day that Lai was guilty of two counts of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and one count of conspiracy to publish seditious publications.
The defendants include Jimmy Lai, Apple Daily Limited, Apple Daily Printing Limited, and Apple Daily Internet Limited. The four defendants are charged with one count of conspiracy to publish seditious publications and one count of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces. Lai is also separately charged with one count of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces.
The trial officially began on December 18, 2023, and was heard by three judges appointed under the Hong Kong National Security Law. By June 11, 2024, the prosecution had formally completed its presentation of evidence, and the court ruled on July 25 that there was a prima facie case for all charges. Lai began testifying on November 20, 2024, and will conclude in March 2025. Closing arguments will be presented by all parties from August 18 to 28, 2025. (End)
