Next Digital founder Jimmy Lai is facing charges of conspiring to collude with foreign forces and other offenses. On Friday, the 145th day of his trial took place at the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts, which is acting as the High Court.

Lai completed 52 days of testimony on Thursday, and the defense concluded its presentation of evidence on Friday. The court has scheduled closing arguments for July 28, expected to last eight days.

During the final moments of questioning Thursday, the defense remarked that if the court had no further questions, “that is the epic evidence for Mr. Lai.” Lai then removed his headset at the witness stand, gently waved to the prosecution, defense, and judges, and said, “Thank you,” before being escorted back to the defendant’s dock by correctional officers.

The case is being heard by High Court-designated National Security Law judges Esther Toh Lye-ping, Susana Maria D’Almada Remedios, and Alex Lee Wan-tang.

The prosecution team includes Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Anthony Chau Tin-hang and Senior Public Prosecutor Crystal Chan Wing-sum. Lai is represented by Senior Counsel Robert Pang Yiu-hong, barrister Steven Kwan, and New Zealand King’s Counsel Marc Corlett, who is qualified to practice in Hong Kong.

Detailed Transcript

11:39 Court Adjourned

Lai removed his headset and gently waved goodbye to his family and legal team.

11:12 Closing Arguments Scheduled for July 28

Regarding the timeline for submitting and presenting closing arguments, the prosecution proposed that both parties be given six weeks for preparation. The prosecution noted that issues related to prosecution time limits had already been addressed before the trial began, leaving only constitutional disputes. It also mentioned that the Court of Final Appeal had ruled on the leave application for appeal in the Tam Tak-chi case.

Judge Alex Lee Wan-tang remarked that the Tam Tak-chi case involved disputes over jurisdiction and seditious intent. Judge Susana D’Almada Remedios clarified that the prosecution was referring to the leave-to-appeal application. The prosecution added that the Court of Final Appeal had denied leave to appeal on the constitutionality of sedition offenses.

After discussions between both parties and the court, Judge Esther Toh Lye-ping scheduled the oral closing arguments for July 28, with proceedings expected to last eight days. Additionally, she scheduled a chambers hearing next Tuesday (March 11) afternoon to discuss areas of concern regarding the closing arguments, the outline of written submissions, and the submission timeline. This hearing will be open to the public.

11:05 Defense Concludes Presentation of Evidence

Defense barrister Steven Kwan formally submitted WhatsApp records between Jimmy Lai and his secretary, Julie, as part of Lai’s defense case. As for the three Apple Daily-related companies involved in the case, their representing barrister, Jon K.H. Wong, stated that no witnesses would be called. Instead, he submitted documents, including the companies’ Memorandum of Association, as part of their defense.

Prosecutor Anthony Chau Tin-hang informed the court that the agreed facts had been corrected and submitted the revised version to the court.

11:03 Court in Session