Lai’s legal team argues strict literal reading of national security law prohibits sanction calls against authorities, not individual officials.

A Hong Kong court heard final arguments Monday in the landmark national security trial of former pro-democracy newspaper founder Jimmy Lai, who could be sentenced to up to life in prison if convicted.

President Donald Trump has pledged to advocate for the release of jailed Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai, whose national security trial resumed this week amid judicial skepticism over sedition charges.