Jimmy Lai heart problems delay trial

The closing submissions in a national security trial against Hong Kong pro-democracy businessman Jimmy Lai were delayed yesterday after his lawyer said he had suffered heart palpitations.

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The closing submissions will recommence on Monday after the court adjourned to allow Mr Lai, 77, to obtain medication and a heart monitor.

Mr Lai, who founded the Apple Daily newspaper that was forced to close after a police raid and asset freeze in June 2021, has pleaded not guilty to two charges of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces, and a charge of conspiracy to publish seditious material.

His lawyer Robert Pang told the court that Mr Lai experienced some episodes where he felt like “collapsing,” adding he had accepted recommendations by a visiting medical specialist but the arrangements were still being made.