Advertisement
Jimmy Lai trial: Hong Kong tycoon’s lawyers will seek acquittal on grounds of insufficient evidence
- Panel of judges to hear submissions next month on whether prosecutors can establish prima facie case against Apple Daily founder
- Defence Senior Counsel Robert Pang tells West Kowloon Court his team will provide evidence in support of Lai’s innocence if bench rules against tycoon
Reading Time:2 minutes
Why you can trust SCMP
Lawyers for Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai Chee-ying have said they will seek his acquittal in the middle of the mogul’s national security law’s trial on the grounds of insufficient evidence.
Advertisement
Three judges presiding over the high-profile case are expected to hear submissions next month on whether prosecutors can establish a prima facie case against the founder of the now-defunct Apple Daily newspaper.
Defence Senior Counsel Robert Pang Yiu-hung told West Kowloon Court on Monday his team would provide evidence in support of Lai’s innocence if the bench ruled against the mogul.
It appears unlikely that Lai will take the witness stand, however, as Pang revealed the time required for establishing the defence’s case would not be long.
Lai, 76, has denied two conspiracy charges of collusion with foreign forces as well as a third count of conspiracy to print and distribute seditious publications.
Advertisement
The outspoken Beijing critic allegedly used the tabloid to instigate international sanctions and excite public disaffection towards the local government.
Advertisement