Closing arguments in Jimmy Lai trial delayed once more as activist seeks therapy for coronary heart palpitations | Jimmy Lai

Closing arguments within the nationwide safety trial of Jimmy Lai have been postponed so the media mogul and activist can obtain medical therapy.

Lai, 77, stands accused of overseas collusion beneath Hong Kong’s nationwide safety regulation. He has been detained since 2020, largely in solitary confinement, on convictions associated to the 2019 pro-democracy protests, and on remand for the nationwide safety trial. Lai has pleaded not responsible, denying calling for sanctions towards China and Hong Kong and saying he by no means advocated separatism.

On Friday, the ultimate arguments for the long-running trial have been anticipated to start after having been delayed on Thursday by heavy rains from ex-tropical cyclone Podul. Nonetheless his lawyer, Robert Tang, instructed the court docket Lai had felt unsteady and skilled coronary heart palpitations. He mentioned Lai didn’t wish to disturb the court docket, however believed the episodes have been introduced on by the fatigue of coming to court docket.

Decide Esther Toh mentioned he ought to converse up if he was uncomfortable.

“The one concern is the guts, it being the guts,” she mentioned.

Toh mentioned Lai had not acquired medicine and a coronary heart monitor, as beneficial by a medical specialist, so the three-judge panel overseeing the jury-free trial adjourned the case till Monday.

Lai’s legal professionals and household have beforehand reported issues about his deteriorating well being whereas in custody. Lai’s nationwide safety trial has stretched for greater than 140 days, drawing condemnation from overseas governments, human rights teams, and worldwide authorized specialists.

The Hong Kong authorities has rejected criticism of its prosecution of Lai – and numerous different pro-democracy activists. On Wednesday it labeled criticism of Lai’s therapy in custody and the trial as “slanderous remarks” by exterior forces and “anti-China media organisations”.

On Thursday, US president Donald Trump mentioned he was “going to do the whole lot I can to avoid wasting [Lai],” however walked again feedback he made previous to his election that he might discuss to China’s chief, Xi Jinping and “100%, I’ll get him out”.

“I mentioned, 100%, I’m going to be bringing it up,” Trump mentioned on Thursday.