Jimmy Lai's absence from the pre-trial hearing indicates that he is in a normal condition in isolation from the new crown pneumonia

Next Media founder Li Zhiying and three "Apple Daily" related companies were accused of violating the "Hong Kong National Security Law". The case will be held in the High Court today (30th) for the second case management hearing. Li failed to appear in court due to health problems .

It is reported that.

Lai was diagnosed with new coronary pneumonia on Tuesday and was immediately admitted to the hospital for treatment.

He is in isolation in the hospital and is in normal physical condition.

If the test confirms recovery after 7 days of diagnosis, a new court appearance can be arranged.

The court said that the trial will not be postponed, and the case will start on December 1 as scheduled.

Four defendants: Jimmy Lai, Apple Daily Limited, Apple Daily Printing Limited and Apple Daily Internet Limited, charged with conspiracy to collude with a foreign power and conspiracy to print, publish, solicit for sale, distribute, display or reproduce incitement Publication crime.

Lai zhiying did not attend the pretrial hearing this morning, and it was reported that he had contracted the new crown pneumonia and was in isolation in the hospital.

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Lai Zheng applies for the representation of the British Queen's Counsel

The defense also mentioned that Lai Zheng's application for a British Queen's Barrister to represent him at the trial was opposed by the Secretary for Justice and the Bar Association.

In addition, the prosecution alleges or calls expert witnesses in connection with sanctions against officials under the U.S. Hong Kong Autonomy Act.

The official said that the trial period will not be adjourned because of another lawsuit by Lei

The judge today instructed both the prosecution and the defence to submit their consent cases before the trial.

In addition, Jimmy Lai filed a judicial review earlier, challenging the police to seize news materials on his mobile phone.

Judge Li Yunteng said that regardless of whether the relevant materials will affect the case, the court will not accept the adjournment application.

Case number: HCCC 51/2022

Li Zhiying wants to prevent the seizure of mobile phone data. The Department of Justice points out that the evidence officer in the Lebanese interrogation will rule at the end of next month that Li Yuxuan and others have colluded with foreign forces. The sentence will be postponed until January after the conclusion of the Li Zhiying case. Call on the West to put pressure on China and Hong Kong to withdraw the accusation of Jimmy Lai's conspiracy to publish seditious publications and request for foreign sanctions. The trial of Jimmy Lai's alleged violation of the National Security Act has been scheduled for December. And "Apple Daily" involved in violation of national security law does not have a jury