Hong Kong’s appellate court has overturned fraud convictions against renowned pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai, marking a significant victory for the outspoken critic of China’s ruling Communist Party who founded the now-defunct Apple Daily. This reversal comes at least five years after his arrest under a national security law imposed by Beijing to quell dissent in Hong Kong.
Lai, 78, has faced an array of legal battles since his detention and is currently serving a 20-year prison term for conspiring with foreign forces to endanger national security. His case highlights the sweeping power wielded by China’s new security law, which effectively silenced many of Hong Kong’s leading activists.
A few weeks ago, Lai was sentenced to five years and nine months in prison for two fraud charges related to his media consultancy firm using Apple Daily’s office space for publication and printing purposes. The lower court judge held that Lai concealed the firm’s use of leased space and violated lease terms, fining him 2 million Hong Kong dollars ($257,000).
However, the appellate court has now overturned these convictions. In their judgment, judges at the Court of Appeal ruled that Apple Daily Printing had breached its lease agreement by allowing a consultancy firm to use part of the space but did not owe a duty to disclose this breach. They found no fault with Lai and Wong Wai-keung as individuals, arguing even if they owed such a duty, it was not applicable in this case.
The appellate court dismissed both convictions, declaring that prosecutors had failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt any false representations. This decision could reduce the total prison time imposed on Lai, currently set at 2 years for his national security case and an additional 18 years for fraud, allowing these sentences to be served concurrently.
While this reversal offers hope for a reduction in Lai’s sentence, the overall verdict does little to address broader concerns about press freedom. The government has indicated its intention to study the judgment carefully before deciding whether to appeal further.
For now, authorities continue to maintain that his national security conviction is valid and essential for Hong Kong’s stability. Meanwhile, Lai’s children have expressed hopes that a visit by U.S. President Donald Trump could secure their father’s release on humanitarian grounds.
In light of this reversal, international condemnation remains strong against the imposition of China’s national security law in Hong Kong. The U.K., represented by Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, has called for Lai to be released immediately based on his right to freedom of expression and human rights concerns.