Pro-democracy Hong Kong tycoon Jimmy Lai will on Wednesday take the stand in his collusion trial, testifying in court for the first time despite five previous trials in almost four years.

The landmark national security trial of prominent Hong Kong activist publisher Jimmy Lai resumes Wednesday, with the founder of the now-shuttered pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily expected to testify in his defense soon.

Jimmy Lai, the pugnacious media tycoon whose now shuttered tabloid Apple Daily was a regular thorn in Beijing’s side, is set to testify on Wednesday at his own national security trial in a high stakes court battle that could see him spend the rest of his life behind bars.

Jimmy Lai, the biggest target in Hong Kong’s crackdown on dissent, will take the stand to defend himself against national security charges that could silence the 76-year-old for the rest of his life.

Dozens of lawmakers from across the world called Tuesday for the immediate and unconditional release of pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai, before he is due to give evidence in his collusion trial in Hong Kong.

MPs call for Hong Kong dissident Jimmy Lai’s immediate release from prison - Mr Lai’s health is ‘deteriorating’ in prison, politicians and campaigners have warned, as they called for his release.