A Hong Kong court will deliver its verdict in the national security case of former pro-democracy newspaper founder Jimmy Lai on Monday. Lai faces up to life in prison if convicted. The ruling is closely watched by foreign governments and political observers as a test of judicial independence and media freedom in Hong Kong. Lai, 78, was arrested in 2020 under a national security law imposed by Beijing. He pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiring to collude with foreign forces and publishing seditious articles. Lai's trial has drawn international attention, with the U.S. and U.K. calling for his release.