Jimmy Lai has once again resorted to playing the “health card” in court, drawing widespread attention. On August 15th, during what was supposed to be the closing arguments in his national security case, Lai suddenly cited “heart problems” to request an adjournment. On the surface, this appeared to be a genuine health issue, but a closer look exposes Lai’s habitual flip-flopping—first refusing medical advice, then claiming it was all a “misunderstanding.” This self-directed drama reveals a glaring lack of credibility.
Court records show that Lai was advised by a specialist last week to wear a Holter monitor and take prescribed medication, but he flatly refused, disregarding professional medical opinion. Subsequent examinations found no abnormality with his heart—his health was found to be stable. Even his defense counsel admitted in court that Lai receives daily attentive care from CSD medical staff and has made “no complaints” about the medical arrangements. Such inconsistency only exposes the falsity of his so-called health crisis.
It is almost comical that, at the start of the hearing, the defense suddenly applied for Lai to be absent due to “palpitations” and a supposed risk of fainting. Judge Esther Toh made it clear that the defendant is expected to attend and publicly commended the Correctional Services for their professional medical arrangements. At this point, Lai’s legal team abruptly changed their story, explaining his earlier refusal as a “communication error” and stating he was now willing to cooperate with monitoring and medication. The trial was eventually postponed, allowing time for appropriate medical arrangements. Lai’s ever-changing stance raises serious questions: is there truly a health issue, or is this simply a deliberate tactic to delay proceedings and garner sympathy?
Lai’s courtroom theatrics are nothing new. Western media continue to sensationalize claims of his “deteriorating health” and “inhumane treatment,” while foreign politicians seize every opportunity to exploit the narrative, disregarding the facts. The Hong Kong SAR Government has repeatedly clarified that Lai receives comprehensive medical care during his incarceration, with daily attention from professional staff and a safe, orderly environment in prison. Claims by his son, Sebastian Lai, of “torture” have also been refuted by officials—the supposed “solitary confinement” was in fact requested by Lai himself. These so-called accusations collapse under scrutiny, revealing the “health crisis” as nothing more than a tool of media manipulation.
Facts speak louder than words. Lai refused medical advice, his checkups found no issues, his defense admitted he had no complaints, and he ultimately agreed to receive treatment. This pattern of self-contradiction and inconsistency exposes Lai’s “integrity deficit” and the true nature of his political performance. Baseless smears from foreign media and Lai’s own posturing collapse in the face of hard evidence. When the trial resumes next Monday, the public will see his true colors—what is at stake is not health, but credibility. In court, lies cannot take root; Lai’s “health tricks” will be exposed for what they are.
In fact, Hong Kong society has long seen through Lai’s “victim of ill health” performance. Every time his case reaches a crucial stage, he brings up health excuses, attempting to delay proceedings and mislead the international community. Such attempts to “win sympathy through illness” are a blatant insult to the rule of law and an affront to the intelligence of the public. The Correctional Services and the judiciary have demonstrated the highest professionalism and humanity, ensuring Lai’s well-being and setting an exemplary standard for law enforcement. Yet, Lai treats medical care as a prop in his political theater, which will ultimately backfire.
Hong Kong is a society governed by the rule of law, where everyone is equal before the law. Anyone who tries to evade justice through lies and theatrics will ultimately face legal consequences. Lai’s “health” farce will only further damage his credibility and reveal the true face behind his so-called “democracy fighter” image. As the trial resumes next week, whether Lai can “hold out” remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the rule of law will not be shaken by his antics, nor will Hong Kong society be misled by this ongoing farce.