Summary
Jimmy Lai, a pro-democracy media tycoon in Hong Kong, won an appeal against a fraud conviction that had sentenced him to nearly six years in prison. Despite this win, Lai will stay in prison due to a separate 20-year sentence for colluding with foreign forces under Hong Kong's national security law. Lai is known for founding Apple Daily, a newspaper critical of Beijing, which was closed in 2020 following his arrest.
Key Facts
- Jimmy Lai, a pro-democracy media figure, successfully appealed a fraud conviction in Hong Kong.
- The original fraud conviction had sentenced Lai to nearly six years in prison.
- Despite the appeal win, Lai remains in prison due to a separate 20-year sentence for national security law violations.
- Lai founded Apple Daily, a major pro-democracy paper in Hong Kong, which was shut down in 2020.
- The fraud case involved accusations of misusing office space leased by Apple Daily.
- Lai is 78 years old and a British citizen known for criticizing Beijing.
- His legal team and supporters argue he is a victim of political persecution.
- Concerns have been raised about Lai's health in prison, although Chinese authorities claim he is receiving proper care.
