Hailed by some as a hero and scorned by others as a traitor, Hong Kong's pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai is in the final stage of his national security trial. Closing arguments were scheduled to start on Thursday for Lai, who is accused of colluding with foreign forces under a Beijing-imposed national security law.

The marathon national security trial of pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai is nearing conclusion in Hong Kong as President Donald Trump vowed to “do everything I can to save” the media tycoon from what critics say is political persecution by Chinese authorities.

Jimmy Lai has been in prison for his role in pro-democracy protests since 2020. His trial has faced lengthy delays, but is scheduled to resume. Here is all you need to know.

The BBC's Danny Vincent spoke to Hong Kong media tycoon and pro-democracy advocate Jimmy Lai, in his last interview as a free man just hours before he was arrested on 2 December 2020.

Tropical Storm Podul has caused severe disruption in southern China and Hong Kong. In Hong Kong, authorities issued a black rainstorm warning, leading to cancellations of flights, school closures, and a postponed hearing of Jimmy Lai.