8 h. ago Supporting freedom of expression is not wrong, Jimmy Lai’s lawyer tells court

Closing arguments made in Hong Kong media mogul’s national security trial, which has lasted more than 140 daysA lawyer for Jimmy Lai has argued that it is not wrong to support freedom of expression, as he began his final argument in the prominent Hong Kong democracy activist and newspaper founder’s landmark national security trial.The barrister Robert Pang is representing Lai in his fight against charges of colluding with foreign forces to endanger national security and conspiring with others to issue seditious publications. Lai, 77, faces up to life in prison if convicted under a national security law imposed by Beijing after anti-government protests in 2019. Continue reading...

Events

9 h. ago Lawyer for activist Jimmy Lai defends free speech in landmark Hong Kong trial

A lawyer for Hong Kong democracy activist Jimmy Lai argues it’s not wrong to support freedom of expression and human rights

Politics

10 h. ago Jimmy Lai has ‘unwavering intent’ to solicit foreign sanctions, Hong Kong court told

Prosecution makes closing arguments in media mogul’s national security trial, which has lasted more than 140 daysProsecutors in Jimmy Lai’s marathon national security trial have wrapped up their closing arguments in Hong Kong, telling the court that the elderly media mogul and activist had “unwavering intent” to solicit foreign sanctions.Lai has pleaded not guilty to two charges of conspiring to commit foreign collusion under the Beijing-designed national security law, and another charge under the colonial-era laws of conspiring to publish seditious materials. Prosecutors say Lai used his media outlet and foreign political connections to lobby for governments to impose sanctions and other punitive measures against Chinese and Hong Kong authorities. Continue reading...

Events

37 h. ago Voices: Britain’s shameful inaction on Jimmy Lai could cost him his life

In deteriorating health in a Hong Kong jail, the businessman’s detention is now a test of Keir Starmer’s seriousness about human rights – and the government’s willingness to defend its citizens and values abroad, says Jodie Ginsberg

Politics

61 h. ago Closing arguments in Jimmy Lai’s national security trial begin amid health concerns

Prosecutor discusses security law concerning collusion charges as trial resumes

Events

69 h. ago Hong Kong court begins hearing final arguments in Jimmy Lai's national security trial

A Hong Kong court has begun hearing final arguments in the national security trial of former Apple Daily publisher Jimmy Lai

Events

3 d. ago Hong Kong democracy activist granted asylum after fleeing to Australia

Activist convicted in Hong Kong urges Australia not to forget prisoners like Jimmy Lai

Events

5 d. ago Closing arguments in Jimmy Lai trial delayed again as activist seeks treatment for heart palpitations

Lai’s lawyer told the court that the imprisoned Hong Kong media mogul had felt unsteadyClosing 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. Continue reading...

Economics

5 d. ago Final arguments in Jimmy Lai's national security trial in Hong Kong delayed over health concerns

The final arguments in prominent Hong Kong activist Jimmy Lai’s national security trial have been postponed after his lawyer said he experienced heart palpitations and the judges wanted him to receive medical treatment first

Events

6 d. ago Jimmy Lai’s landmark trial delayed by Hong Kong rain warning

Closing arguments were scheduled to be heard from Thursday

Events

7 d. ago Jimmy Lai trial: closing arguments begin in Hong Kong trial of pro

Lai has been detained since December 2020, with western nations and rights groups calling for his releaseJailed Hong Kong media mogul Jimmy Lai’s national security trial, which began in late 2023, will enter its final stages on Thursday as lawyers present closing arguments.The 77-year-old founder of the Apple Daily newspaper is charged with foreign collusion under Hong Kong’s national security law, which Beijing imposed following huge and sometimes violent pro-democracy protests in 2019. Continue reading...

Politics

7 d. ago Jimmy Lai trial: closing arguments in Hong Kong delayed by aftermath of Typhoon Podul

Lai has been detained since December 2020, with western nations and rights groups calling for his releaseThe closing arguments in the national security trial against jailed Hong Kong media mogul Jimmy Lai were postponed on Thursday after the Asian financial hub issued its highest-level “black” weather warning, stemming from ex-typhoon Podul.Queues had formed outside the court for the public gallery, but torrential rain saw the closing arguments in the trial, which began in late 2023, delayed. Proceedings are expected to resume on Friday. Continue reading...

Politics

7 d. ago Israel is wiping out Gaza’s journalists – and it’s no longer even hiding it | Jodi Ginsberg

The laws of war are clear: journalists are civilians. To target them deliberately in war is to commit a war crimeIsrael always boasted that it was the only country in the region to support press freedom. That boast rang hollow even before the current war. Now, it’s not even pretending. On Sunday, Israel openly and brazenly killed six journalists as they were sheltering in a tent that housed reporters and media workers.Israel accuses one of those journalists – Al Jazeera’s Anas al-Sharif – of being a terrorist. It has not said what crime it believes the others have committed that would justify killing them. The laws of war are clear: journalists are civilians. To target them deliberately in war is to commit a war crime. Continue reading...

Politics

8 d. ago Concerns for Briton Jimmy Lai’s deteriorating health as landmark trial set to resume in Hong Kong

City court to hear closing arguments in media tycoon’s national security trial from 14 August

Politics

1 week ago Men involved in mass town brawl joked about court hearing, but didn't realise video mics were live

Jack Dixon was heard telling a co-defendant his lawyer was to tell the court he had shown remorse to which he admitted: “Did I f***.” They went on to laugh at various points during the hearing

Events