Hong Kong's Court of Appeal reversed the fraud conviction related to office lease involving Jimmy Lai, a media billionaire and pro-democracy activist, who was initially sentenced to nearly six years in prison in 2022. However, this legal victory has little impact on his freedom as he remains imprisoned for 20 years under the national security law, amid serious concerns about his declining health at age 78.
The Hong Kong Court of Appeal ruled to overturn the fraud charges linked to breach of office lease agreements against Jimmy Lai, a media billionaire and pro-democracy supporter, and a co-defendant. Lai had originally been sentenced to nearly six years in prison for this case in 2022.
The case targeted the offices of the newspaper Apple Daily. Prosecutors accused Lai of violating state land lease conditions by permitting his private consulting firm to use the office space leased by Apple Daily. In the same case, former Next Digital executive Wong Wai-keung was also acquitted after previously being sentenced to 21 months in prison.
Despite winning the fraud case, 78-year-old Jimmy Lai will remain in prison, as earlier this month he was sentenced to 20 years for conspiracy with foreign forces under the national security law imposed by the Chinese government.
Clive Fion Gallagher, head of Jimmy Lai’s international legal team, stated that today's ruling "changes nothing" and warned that Lai faces a risk of dying in prison due to health problems. He added, "No one should be misled into believing that this appellate victory means Hong Kong's system remains fair or functions justly."
Jimmy Lai, a British national, is one of the most prominent symbols of Hong Kong’s pro-democracy movement. He has been detained since 2020 after Apple Daily was permanently shut down. Critics view the legal actions against him as evidence of the erosion of freedoms in Hong Kong.
The governments of the United Kingdom and the United States have accused the national security law of being used to "silence" activists, while Chinese and Hong Kong authorities maintain that the law is necessary to maintain order and does not undermine autonomy.
Beyond legal matters, Lai's family has expressed serious concerns over his worsening health. His daughter revealed that his teeth have begun to decay and his fingernails frequently fall off. However, Chinese authorities assert that Lai remains in good health and is receiving appropriate care.
Supporters view this legal victory as justice delayed. One court case follower remarked, "Even if he is released at age 96 instead of 98, it makes hardly any difference for someone at this age."
. BBC