Activists and supporters of publisher Jimmy Lai gather for his national security trial in Taipei, Taiwan, on Aug. 24.

Lawyers acting for jailed Hong Kong publisher Jimmy Lai have launched an urgent appeal to experts at the United Nations, warning that his life is at serious and immediate risk in detention.

Mr. Lai’s international legal team has presented research to UN rapporteurs showing that some other elderly patients with diabetes have died in custody in Hong Kong, after receiving inadequate medical attention.

The 77-year-old publisher, who has been held in solitary confinement for more than 4½ years, faces the possibility of life imprisonment. His long-delayed trial wound up last month in Hong Kong and he is awaiting a verdict.

In closing arguments, Jimmy Lai’s lawyers a

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