Jimmy Lai verdict: Hong Kong courtroom to resolve on nationwide safety fees in opposition to pro-democracy determine – dwell | Jimmy Lai

As has change into regular with these nationwide safety circumstances, there’s a giant police presence exterior the West Kowloon district courtroom.

It’s about two hours from the decision listening to starting, and there are officers in plain garments and uniform in every single place, in addition to an enormous press pack. Smaller than I’ve seen earlier than, nevertheless, is the queue for most people.

The day Lai gave testimony, and massive days for different circumstances like that of the Hong Kong 47, have drawn a whole bunch of individuals desirous to attend. However right now there’s maybe fewer than 100. Not less than half of them had been right here final night time, once I got here by round 10pm.

Some passers-by alleged these folks had been paid by pro-Beijing teams to take a seat within the queue and reserve seats that may in any other case be taken by supporters of the defendants, or overseas diplomatic observers. I attempted to ask them why they had been right here, however all of them refused to talk to me, and hid behind umbrellas or blankets.

One man, Simon, mentioned he needed to “give some help to Jimmy Lai and his spouse”.

“I imagine this can be a nasty outcome,” he mentioned.

They need to put him in jail.

Simon didn’t keep in a single day however was again once more round 6am this morning. He and a good friend are holding shiny crimson apples, to signify the now-shuttered Apple Each day newspaper that Lai based and which stands as his co-accused.