Robert Pang Yiu-hung SC, representing the defence in the case, mentioned that Jimmy Lai, the defendant, chose to take the stand as a witness. The court might need three to four weeks to hear his testimony.
Lai’s legal team argued that in 90 previous hearings, the prosecution did not prove that the 76-year-old was involved in a criminal plot to initiate international sanctions against Hong Kong and mainland China after the implementation of the national security law.
Facing two conspiracy charges related to collusion with foreign forces and a charge of conspiracy to print and distribute seditious publications, Lai has denied all allegations.
Lai is currently being tried by three judges appointed by Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu in a trial without a jury. Prosecutors claim that Lai used a tabloid to incite international sanctions and public dissent against the local government, and provided financial support to the “Fight for Freedom, Stand with Hong Kong” group.