Third day of defence closing submissions in Jimmy Lai trial
發佈日期: 2025-08-22 21:35
TVB News
The defence for former media tycoon Jimmy Lai continued their closing arguments in the city's landmark national security trial today.
The 77-year-old is charged with conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and publishing seditious material. He could face a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
Jimmy Lai's trial resumed at the West Kowloon Law Courts this morning; day 152.
On the third day of closing submissions by the defence, Lai's barrister, Robert Pang, stressed that the former media tycoon did not propose sanctions on China while addressing foreign guests on his talk show, "Live Chat with Jimmy Lai," but simply expressed his opinions.
Judge Esther Toh said Lai had mentioned in the show that "Xi Jinping is not eliminating his enemy but eliminating Hong Kong people."
In response to Toh questioning if the remark was hostile, Pang said that the words should not be taken literally.
Toh then asked if the statement was spreading fear among the public. Pang stressed that Lai's remarks were not hostile.
Judge Alex Lee said Lai's adopted view was that if China does not change, others will. Pang said it is not against the law to impose pressure on the government, as long as the person does not demand foreign sanctions.
Esther Toh said freedom of expression is not illegal but it is not absolute, citing the example of protestors being arrested in U.S. for expressing opinions towards Palestine.
While Pang agreed that boundaries should be set, he said that the court must consider that freedom of expression is a basic right protected by the law.
Toh said the entire world could watch the talk show, which makes it different from just two elderly people chatting at a dim sum table.
Pang said that the quality of the two scenarios are the same -- both involve interactive conversations.
The proceedings continue on Monday.
