Hong Kong Court Denies Jury Trial in Jimmy Lai Libel Case

Hong Kong's jailed publisher and activist Jimmy Lai faced a legal setback as his request for a jury trial in a libel case was rejected. Lai alleged that the pro-Beijing newspaper Ta Kung Pao maliciously accused him of planning an escape from Hong Kong. This marks another challenge in his ongoing legal struggles.

In a recent ruling, a Hong Kong court has dismissed jailed publisher Jimmy Lai's wish for a jury trial in his libel suit against the pro-Beijing publication, Ta Kung Pao, marking another hurdle in his prolonged legal saga.

Lai, founder of the no-longer-active Apple Daily, is a prominent pro-democracy figure prosecuted under Hong Kong's rigorous national security law. He accused Ta Kung Pao of insinuating that he intended to flee the city illegally, breaching his bail terms.

Issued by judge Queeny Au Yeung, the court's decision highlighted the complexity of the case, noting it is unsuitable for a jury. The publication denied the libel charge, as Lai's advocacy faces numerous challenges under the tightened security law.

(With inputs from agencies.)