A Hong Kong appeals court on Thursday overturned the fraud conviction of pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai, marking a rare legal victory for one of Beijing’s most outspoken critics, though it does not change his long-term imprisonment under national security laws.
The court ruled that the original trial judge made legal errors in concluding that Lai and related companies had deliberately concealed lease violations connected to the operations of the now-defunct newspaper Apple Daily. Judges said the prosecution’s interpretation of disclosure obligations was unsustainable, leading them to quash both the conviction and the sentence.
Despite the ruling, Lai will remain in prison after being sentenced to 20 years in a separate national security case involving allegations of collusion with foreign forces and publishing seditious materials — charges that have triggered widespread condemnation from international rights groups and Western governments.
Lai’s family said the decision offered little comfort, citing his advanced age and declining health after more than five years in solitary confinement. His son said the appeal outcome does not change his father’s immediate situation and renewed calls for his release on humanitarian grounds.
Hong Kong authorities said the Department of Justice is reviewing the judgement and will consider whether to pursue further legal action.
