Hong Kong Court Upholds Jimmy Lai's National Security Trial Amid Allegations

A Hong Kong court dismissed Jimmy Lai's bid to halt his national security trial, stating sufficient evidence supports all charges against him. Lai, founder of Apple Daily, faces charges of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and publishing seditious material. The trial will resume on Nov. 20.

A Hong Kong court dismissed on Thursday the attempt by Jimmy Lai's legal team to cease his national security trial, stating that prosecutors provided sufficient evidence to justify all charges against the 76-year-old democrat.

Lai, the founder of now-defunct pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily, has pleaded not guilty to conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and a lesser charge of conspiracy to publish seditious material. "After considering all submissions, we ruled that the first defendant (Lai) has a case to answer on all charges," Judge Esther Toh stated.

The trial, in its 92nd day, will continue on Nov. 20. It started on Dec. 18 and was expected to last 80 days. If convicted, Lai could face a life sentence. The defense argued for acquittal due to insufficient evidence but was overruled. Lai, who has been in solitary confinement for over three years, has been serving a five-year, nine-month sentence for another matter related to a lease contract violation.

(With inputs from agencies.)