HONG KONG — The marathon nationwide safety trial of pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai is nearing conclusion in Hong Kong as President Donald Trump vowed to “do the whole lot I can to save lots of” the media tycoon from what critics say is political persecution by Chinese language authorities.
Closing arguments within the landmark trial, which started in December 2023, had been set to start this week after a five-month break following the tip of Lai’s testimony in March. However they had been postponed twice on Thursday and Friday, first on account of a extreme thunderstorm that closed courts after which to permit time for Lai, who has complained of coronary heart palpitations, to obtain treatment and a transportable coronary heart monitor.
They’re anticipated to renew Monday and final about 10 days, with a verdict by the three handpicked judges coming in October on the earliest.
Lai, a 77-year-old British citizen who is likely one of the Chinese language territory’s most distinguished democrats, was arrested in August 2020 beneath a Beijing-imposed nationwide safety regulation over his position in mass anti-government protests in 2019 that generally turned violent. He has since spent nearly 1,700 days in solitary confinement, throughout which era his son says his well being has declined considerably.
Lai has pleaded not responsible to 2 nationwide safety prices of conspiring to collude with international forces and a 3rd rely beneath colonial-era laws of publishing seditious supplies in Apple Every day, his now-defunct pro-democracy tabloid. If convicted, he may face life in jail.
The U.S. and different governments have criticized the case as politically motivated and known as for Lai’s fast launch. Trump stated Thursday that he would “do the whole lot I can to save lots of him” in talks with Chinese language officers, even when Chinese language President Xi Jinping “wouldn’t be precisely thrilled” to let him go.
Trump gave the impression to be softening a declare he made about Lai final yr, when he stated on a podcast that “100%, I’ll get him out” of China and that it will be “really easy.”
“I didn’t say 100% I’d save him. I stated 100% I’m going to be bringing it up. And I’ve already introduced it up,” Trump stated Thursday in an interview with Fox Information Radio, with out giving particulars.
The federal government of Hong Kong, a former British colony that returned to Chinese language rule in 1997, stated Wednesday that Lai was receiving a good trial and accused “exterior forces” of attempting to intervene in Hong Kong courts. Hong Kong and mainland Chinese language officers say the nationwide safety regulation and associated native laws had been obligatory to revive stability within the worldwide monetary hub after the protests.
With a verdict nonetheless weeks away, the listening to on Friday drew fewer folks than rulings and sentencings in current circumstances such because the sedition trial towards two Stand Information journalists or the subversion trial towards 47 pro-democracy politicians and activists.
However members of the general public nonetheless lined up hours earlier than the listening to amid heavy police presence to safe seats in the principle courtroom and catch a glimpse of Lai.
First in line was native activist Lui Yuk-lin, who arrived earlier than 1 a.m. and stated she was involved about Lai’s well being.
“He used to have a giant stomach. However after a few years in jail, it’s now gone,” stated Lui, who wore a T-shirt bearing the American flag and the phrases “Land of the Free.”
Members of the general public gallery waved at Lai, sporting a white windbreaker and thick-rimmed black glasses, as he appeared within the courtroom Friday in a glassed-in space surrounded by 4 guards. Lai smiled and waved again at supporters.
Western diplomats had been additionally in attendance.
Throughout his 52 days of testimony, Lai denied allegations that he lobbied the U.S. to impose sanctions on Hong Kong and China. He stated that whereas Apple Every day held anti-communist views, he didn’t use the media outlet to advertise Hong Kong independence.
Lai additionally referred to himself as a “political prisoner” no less than twice throughout questioning, drawing fierce rebukes from the bench.
Lai has already been convicted in three separate circumstances associated to unauthorized meeting and is serving 5 years and 9 months in jail over a 2022 fraud conviction, circumstances which have additionally been criticized as politically motivated.
Spectators waved once more as Lai exited the courtroom on Friday.
“I hope his household can keep robust and daring,” Lui stated. “We assist him.”
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