Supporters of Hong Kong democracy activist Jimmy Lai queued outside a Hong Kong court overnight before Monday's verdict in his landmark trial as international calls have grown to release the China critic who has already spent five years in jail.

Senior party members previously alleged they had been told to disband or face severe consequences, including possible arrest.

These problems first took root as China prepared to assume control of Hong Kong from Britain, in 1997. Concerned that the transition would scare off foreign investors, Chinese leaders tried to woo real-estate tycoons and other business elites by giving them key roles overseeing the city’s future governance.

Lai, 78, the millionaire founder of the now-shuttered Apple Daily newspaper and one of the most prominent critics of China's increasingly tight controls under President Xi Jinping, has pleaded not guilty to the three charges against him.

The individual was calling for a deeper investigation into the devastating apartment complex fire last month in Hong Kong that killed more than 160 people and displaced thousands

Last year's Hong Kong Triple Crown winner repelled determined runner-up Soul Rush for a second straight win in the race