Prosecutors have alleged that former media tycoon Jimmy Lai "deliberately painted a false picture” of central and SAR authorities to push for foreign sanctions, as they wrapped up their evidence against the Apple Daily founder.

The prosecution’s closing speech continued for a second day on Tuesday, arguing that the defendant had indirectly requested punitive actions following the implementation of the National Security Law in 2020.

Prosecutor Anthony Chau said Lai tried to “create a false impression” about the mainland and Hong Kong so external elements could punish the central and SAR governments.

While the former media boss “did not overtly call or request” for such actions following the security law’s promulgation, Chau said, Lai’s remarks were “naturally and reasonably” persuading foreign countries to impose sanctions, blockades or hostile activity.

The court heard the Apple Daily founder had leveraged “international attention” to advance his own agenda following the law’s implementation.

“He’s aware of the international attention to his acts and conducts, and he continued to make use of this media to arouse international attention to achieve his own purpose,” Chau said.

One of three judges, Alex Lee, queried whether this was a form of hearsay, as Lai was said to have heard about the attention he was receiving from other people.

Judge Esther Toh said regardless of whether this “international attention” was based in fact, this spoke to the defendant’s thinking. The prosecution agreed, adding that it also relied on other evidence to prove its case.

Chau also said articles published by the now-defunct newspaper failed to offer “rational criticisms” of the government or provide solutions to remedy the situation, dismissing the defence’s contention that such publications were “critical opinions”.

Judge Toh questioned if suggesting solutions is necessary when giving critical opinions. In response, Chau said commentaries that focus on providing remedies would not have seditious intent.

Lai had denied conspiracy charges relating to colluding with foreign forces and publishing seditious material.

The prosecution is expected to continue its closing arguments on Wednesday.