Jimmy Lai’s fraud conviction overturned by Hong Kong court
Hong Kong’s appellate court has quashed the fraud conviction against former media magnate and activist Jimmy Lai, citing judicial errors in the original trial. This marks a significant development in Lai’s ongoing legal battles.
In December 2022, Lai was sentenced to five years and nine months in prison, along with a fine of HK$2 million (around US$260,000), related to a subleasing office fraud case.
However, the 78-year-old Lai remains incarcerated following a separate conviction on February 9, when he was sentenced to 20 years for conspiracy with foreign forces and incitement to riot.
The overturning of the fraud conviction may affect future judicial proceedings involving Lai, a prominent pro-democracy activist and founder of the now-defunct Apple Daily newspaper, known for his criticism of the Chinese Communist Party. His case has been one of the most high-profile in recent Hong Kong history.
Although the fraud conviction was reversed, Lai’s lengthy sentence on other charges means he is expected to remain in prison for the foreseeable future, with possibilities for further appeals or reviews remaining open.
