The trial of เกมยิงปลา the first person charged under Hong Kong's national security law wrapped up on Tuesday (Jul 20), with the prosecution seeking to designate a slogan popular during 2019 protests as subversive in a crucial test of the city's rule of law.

Former waiter Tong Ying-kit, 24, has pleaded not guilty to charges of terrorism, inciting secession and dangerous driving causing grievous bodily harm on Jul 1 last year, shortly after the law was enacted.

As the first national security case conducted in open court, Tong's case could set precedents on the handling of security law cases for the more than 120 other people charged under it, including prominent democrats and activists.

The verdict will be delivered on Jul 27 by a panel of three judges; Esther Toh, Anthea Pang and Wilson Chan - who were picked by Hong Kong's pro-Beijing leader to hear national security cases.

Tong faces up to life in prison, as set out in the national security law. Someone convicted of a "grave" national security offence could be jailed for at least 10 years, the law says.

Tong was denied bail and a jury, factors that stoked concern among some Western governments and rights groups as a significant departure from century-old common law traditions.