### Trial Concludes for Hong Kong Media Figure Jimmy Lai
Final statements have been delivered in the national security case against pro-democracy media executive Jimmy Lai in Hong Kong.
Judges appointed by the government have now adjourned to deliberate their decision in a trial widely viewed as a significant measure of legal integrity in the city.
Lai, 77, has been detained since 2020, facing accusations of conspiracy to collaborate with foreign entities and publish inflammatory material. The charges were brought under the national security law (NSL) enacted by Beijing following widespread protests in 2019, as well as a pre-existing sedition statute from the colonial era.
Known for his vocal criticism of Beijing—a rarity among Hong Kong's business leaders—Lai has been denounced by authorities as a "traitor" and "supporter of unrest."
His case stands as one of the most prominent instances of the Hong Kong government’s enforcement of the NSL, which prohibits acts perceived as opposing authority.
Lai’s legal team and relatives have raised concerns about his health, including cardiac issues. A guilty verdict could result in a life sentence.
When asked about the timeline for a ruling, one of the three judges stated it would be issued in due course. Unlike typical trials, this case—like other NSL proceedings—is being heard by selected judges rather than a jury, diverging from Hong Kong’s standard legal process.
Prosecution and defense arguments concluded on Thursday following delays due to weather conditions and Lai’s medical condition.
Lai, wearing a beige blazer and white shirt, acknowledged attendees with smiles and gestures before being led away by officers.
Authorities allege Lai used his former publication, *Apple Daily*, and international political ties to push for sanctions against Chinese and Hong Kong officials, citing what they called sustained and deliberate efforts.
Those accused of collaboration include activist Andy Li, legal assistant Chan Tsz-wah—both of whom testified against Lai—and the Interparliamentary Alliance on China. Lai is also accused of financially supporting the group Stand with Hong Kong.
Defense lawyers argued that prosecutors did not sufficiently prove Lai conspired with named individuals to seek foreign sanctions after the NSL’s enactment. They maintained that contact with former foreign officials did not substantiate the charges.
Senior counsel Robert Pang defended Lai’s media work, stating that advocating for democracy and free expression was not equivalent to sedition.
Read next
Israeli troops storm ex-air-defense site near Damascus
Israeli military forces conducted an operation at a former air-defense base in southern Syria on Wednesday amid a series of airstrikes in the area—marking their deepest incursion into Syrian territory since Bashar al-Assad was removed from power last December.
The airbase, situated near al-Kiswah, approximately 10 kilometers south of
"Fury in Italy as women's photos altered into porn on website"
A website publishing manipulated images of prominent Italian women, including Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and opposition leader Elly Schlein, has caused widespread condemnation in Italy.
The photos, paired with offensive and derogatory captions, were taken from social media profiles or public sources before being altered and shared on an Italian
Triple Threat: UK, Germany, France Enforce UN Sanctions on Iran
The UK, France, and Germany have formally informed the UN that they are reinstating broad sanctions against Iran, giving the country 30 days to allow greater access to its nuclear facilities or face increased economic consequences globally.
Officials stated that the decision was not made lightly and followed extensive diplomatic