January 22, 2026
World
World
TOKYO, Jan 22 — Japan has halted the restart of the world’s largest nuclear power plant just hours after it began, though the reactor remains “stable,” the operator said.
Hong Kong, Aug 18 — Hong Kong prosecutors began presenting their closing arguments on Monday in the national security case against pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai, after last week’s hearings were adjourned to allow him to be fitted with a heart monitor.
Lai, the 77-year-old founder of the now-defunct Apple Daily newspaper, has pleaded not guilty to two foreign collusion charges. Authorities allege that he used various channels to encourage Western governments to impose sanctions on China and Hong Kong. The case has been brought under the national security law implemented by Beijing following the large-scale pro-democracy protests of 2019.
The trial was due to enter its final phase last Thursday but was postponed twice—initially because of severe weather and subsequently to address concerns over Lai’s health. The defence told the court on Friday that Lai had experienced heart palpitations and a moment where he felt he might collapse.
However, Prosecutor Anthony Chau said on Monday that Lai has since been given medication and was fitted with a heart monitoring device last Friday.
“Mr Lai has not raised any complaints regarding his heart or general health condition and is fit to appear in court,” Chau told the court.
Judge Esther Toh also read out a medical memo confirming that Lai was “physically and mentally fit” for the hearing.
Lai’s family and human rights groups have previously raised concerns about his health. He has been held in custody since December 2020 — reportedly in solitary confinement — and is said to have lost weight during that period.
In a statement released last Friday, the Hong Kong government said Lai had access to “adequate and comprehensive” medical care while in custody. It added that a detailed examination carried out by a Hospital Authority specialist on August 7 found no abnormalities despite Lai’s claims of heart palpitations.
On Monday, Lai arrived in court wearing a white shirt and light windbreaker, with no visible medical devices. He greeted supporters and relatives seated in the public gallery with smiles and waves. During the morning session, he followed proceedings through headphones and appeared to briefly close his eyes.
The long-running trial, which began in December 2023, is nearing its conclusion as international rights groups and Western governments continue to call for Lai’s release.
In addition to the foreign collusion charges — which carry a possible life sentence — Lai also faces a “seditious publication” charge related to 161 opinion articles under his byline.
Chau said prosecutors expect their closing arguments to take two days. On Monday morning, he focused on legal definitions, including the interpretation of “collusion” under the security law.
Elaine Pearson, Asia director at Human Rights Watch, last week urged the Hong Kong government to “drop the baseless charges” against Lai, describing his prolonged solitary detention amid deteriorating health as “outrageously cruel”.
Former US President Donald Trump also commented last week, telling a Fox News radio show that he had raised Lai’s case with Chinese President Xi Jinping and would “do everything” to help him.
The Hong Kong government later issued a statement saying it “strongly disapproved of and rejected” what it described as “slanderous remarks” from external parties regarding the case. — AFP
