Jimmy Lai pushes through media after being released on bail in Hong Kong on August 12. Photo: AFP

Hong Kong secessionist media tycoon Jimmy Lai encountered indignant local protesters calling him a "traitor" as he went on trial for suspicion of threatening a journalist in 2017. 

Lai was charged with threatening a journalist in June 2017 in Victoria Park. 

The case was originally scheduled for Wednesday but delayed due to tropical storm Higos.

The trial is being conducted in English and the court has allowed two key prosecution witnesses to remain anonymous. 

When Lai arrived at the court at around 9 am, he encountered a number of protesters holding banners and calling him a "traitor." They called for Lai to be severely punished and accused him of harming Hong Kong and local youngsters. 

One day before the hearing, US President Donald Trump called Lai a "wonderful gentleman" and a "brave man" and sent his best wishes to Lai when asked at a White House press conference if he had a message for him.  

Lai, 72, will face a maximum of two years in prison and a fine of HKD$2,000 if convicted. 

Lai was earlier released on HKD$4,000 bail but was not allowed to leave Hong Kong during the bail period. He has tried a few times to apply with the courts to cancel the restriction but was refused.