Trial of Hong Kong’s Jimmy Lai ends after 1½ years, with verdict at later date

After sitting for 156 days, the curtain came down on Thursday on the Apple Daily tabloid founder’s trial, following a decision by the three presiding High Court judges on how to handle certain evidence immaterial to determining guilt in the high-profile case.

Madam Justice Esther Toh Lye-ping did not say when the court would deliver its judgment. She said any matter arising during the adjournment would be dealt with by way of correspondence.

After the nearly hour-long sitting concluded at West Kowloon Court, the 77-year-old defendant briefly spoke to his lawyers, waved to supporters in the public gallery and greeted them with folded hands before leaving the dock escorted by three prison officers.

Lai, who has been detained since December 2020, has denied two conspiracy counts of collusion with foreign forces and a third of conspiracy to print seditious articles.