Hong Kong court quashes fraud conviction of Jimmy Lai

A Hong Kong appellate court overturned Jimmy Lai's 2022 fraud convictions, but he remains imprisoned under a separate 20-year national security sentence.

A Hong Kong appellate court on Thursday overturned the 2022 fraud convictions of Jimmy Lai, the former Apple Daily founder. The convictions related to allegations that a consultancy firm linked to Lai used office space rented by his media business. Lai, 78, remains in custody after receiving a 20-year sentence earlier this month in a separate national security case. The appellate judges said the prosecution had not proven beyond reasonable doubt that Lai or his co-defendant made false representations or that liability could be attributed to them. Key points: - The Court of Appeal quashed the fraud convictions and the sentences handed down in 2022. - The overturned case concerned the use of office space by a consultancy firm that prosecutors said breached the lease terms. - Lai remains imprisoned under a separate 20-year national security sentence; neither defendant appeared in court for the appeal ruling. - The Hong Kong Department of Justice said it will study the judgment thoroughly and consider whether to appeal. Summary: The appellate ruling removes the fraud convictions but does not change Lai's continued imprisonment under the national security sentence. The Department of Justice has announced it will review the judgment and may pursue an appeal. The final effect on Lai's overall time in custody will depend on any further legal action.