The wait is almost over in Hong Kong’s landmark national security trial! What will the verdict be for media mogul Jimmy Lai, and what does it mean for the future of press freedom in the city? This case has the world watching.

The high-stakes national security trial of Hong Kong pro-democracy media mogul Jimmy Lai has officially concluded, with final arguments presented and the world now awaiting a verdict that could see the 77-year-old publisher face a life sentence. This landmark case, which has drawn considerable international scrutiny, is widely seen as a crucial barometer for press freedom and judicial independence within the Asian financial hub, particularly under Beijing’s controversial national security law.

Lai, the founder of the now-defunct Apple Daily newspaper, a prominent voice critical of the Hong Kong government and Beijing, was initially arrested in 2020. His detention followed the imposition of the sweeping national security law by mainland China, enacted in the wake of extensive anti-government protests that rocked the territory in 2019. The trial itself has been protracted, stretching over nearly 160 days, significantly surpassing its initial time estimate.

The charges against Lai are grave, including allegations of endangering national security and conspiring to produce seditious publications. Throughout the trial, the defense team, led by Robert Pang, vigorously argued that Lai’s online comments were merely personal opinions and not calls for foreign sanctions or hostile actions against China or Hong Kong. This defense challenged the prosecution’s interpretation of his public statements and interactions.

However, the concept of freedom of expression was notably debated during the proceedings. Judge Esther Toh, one of the government-approved judges for national security cases, questioned the limits of this right, drawing parallels to arrests concerning expressions of views on Palestinian issues in the U.S. and Britain, underscoring the complexities inherent in such high-profile cases.

Another key aspect of the defense involved Marc Corlett, who disputed the prosecution’s claims of conspiracy. Specifically, he challenged the notion that Lai collaborated with groups like “Stand with Hong Kong Fight for Freedom” to solicit foreign intervention. Corlett cast doubt on the credibility of a key prosecution witness, labeling them a “serial liar” and arguing that even if their testimony was considered, it did not establish an ongoing agreement by Lai to achieve the alleged goals.

The prosecution, conversely, maintained that Lai’s actions demonstrated an “unwavering intent” to solicit foreign actions, even continuing after his arrest in August 2020. They asserted that Lai utilized Apple Daily to advocate for foreign sanctions, characterizing these acts as a profound betrayal of national interest and security, thereby painting a picture of deliberate and persistent defiance.

Concerns for Lai’s health have also emerged, with reports of heart palpitations. Despite these worries, a government medical examination reportedly found no abnormalities, and officials stated that the medical care provided to Lai in custody was adequate. His appearances in court have often included gestures of gratitude towards those in the public gallery, reflecting the personal toll of this extended legal battle.

The international community, including foreign governments and human rights organizations, has closely monitored Lai’s case. The U.S. and a coalition of press freedom groups have called for his release, highlighting the broader implications for human rights and independent journalism. China, however, views these interventions as unwarranted interference in its internal affairs, firmly opposing what it perceives as external attempts to influence its sovereignty.

This trial underscores the ongoing tension surrounding the promise of civil liberties in Hong Kong, which Beijing pledged to uphold for 50 years after the 1997 handover. Critics argue that the national security law has significantly eroded these freedoms, particularly those related to a free press and independent judiciary, marking a pivotal moment in the city’s evolving political landscape.