HK DOJ seeks to delay trial of Apple Daily boss

SAR requested clarification on foreign lawyers engaging in national security case

Hong Kong's Department of Justice on Tuesday applied to postpone the trial of Jimmy Lai Chee-ying's national security case, pending the legal interpretation from the standing committee of the nation's top legislature to clarify whether overseas lawyers who are not qualified to practice generally in the city can engage in national security cases.

Lai, founder of the now-defunct Apple Daily newspaper, is charged with collusion with foreign forces to endanger national security, and three other offenses. His trial, to be heard by three judges designated to handle national security cases, was scheduled to begin on Thursday.

By press time, the city's judiciary had not responded to the SAR government's adjournment application.