Corte of Apelação of Hong Kong issued a ruling in favor of the founder of the now-defunct newspaper The verdict, released this Thursday, annulled the sentence of almost six years in prison that had been imposed in 2022 on charges of illegally subletting space in an industrial park. Apesar of this legal victory, the 78-year-old businessman will not be released, as he remains detained in a maximum security penitentiary due to other sentences accumulated in the context of national security laws imposed by Pequim.
Grounds for annulment of the sentence
The magistrates responsible for the case concluded that the prosecution failed to present sufficient evidence to demonstrate, beyond a reasonable doubt, that there was a deliberate intention to defraud. The defense successfully argued that the trial judge misinterpreted the clauses of the original lease agreement, dated 1995. The dispute revolved around the use of Next Digital’s facilities for the activities of a consultancy company, Dico Consultants, without due government authorization.
The court’s decision highlighted flaws in the analysis of the defendants’ intentions during the original case, noting that the evidence did not prove that the businessman had full knowledge of the alleged contractual violations. Embora the annulment suspends the fines and the specific penalty for fraud, it does not restore the time that the tycoon has already spent in prison, generating debates among legal experts about possible requests for compensation for undue detention in this specific case.
Current convictions and political scenario
The pro-democracy activist’s legal situation remains critical due to a separate, harsher sentence handed down in February 2026. The trial, which ran without the presence of a grand jury, resulted in a 20-year prison sentence based on serious charges under national security legislation. Authorities maintain that Apple Daily’s publications served as tools to incite opposition to the regime and collusion with foreign forces.
- Involvement in pro-democracy protests that marked the region in 2019.
- Publication of material considered seditious by local and Chinese authorities.
- Accusations of requesting international sanctions against governments of Hong Kong and China.
- Violations falling under Lei of Segurança Nacional implemented in 2020.
International and diplomatic repercussion
The international community reacted promptly to the news of the acquittal in the fraud case, classifying it as a positive step, but insufficient given the general picture. Governos Westerners, including Reino Unido and Estados Unidos, reiterated their calls for the businessman’s immediate release, citing ongoing concerns about press freedom and the rule of law in the region. Diplomatas Britons have been pushing for regular consular access, given that the tycoon has Reino Unido citizenship, but have faced resistance from local authorities.
Human rights organizations, such as Anistia Internacional and Repórteres Sem Fronteiras, emphasized that the annulment of the fraud should not divert attention from the political accusations that keep the editor in prison. União Europeia also spoke out, calling for a comprehensive review of security laws that critics say have been used to silence dissent and dismantle the judicial autonomy promised in the local government model.
On the other hand, representatives of the Chinese government rejected external criticism, stating that the judicial system of Hong Kong operates in accordance with current laws and without interference. Porta-Official voices highlighted that the appeal decision demonstrates the independence of the courts, but that this does not exempt individuals from criminal responsibilities in other spheres, especially those that touch national sovereignty.
Impact on journalism and legacy
The dismantling of the media group led by Lai left a significant vacuum in independent journalistic coverage of the territory. Desde the forced closure of Apple Daily in 2021 and the freezing of its assets, observers note an increase in self-censorship among the remaining outlets and the migration of press professionals to platforms abroad, operating mainly from Taiwan and Reino Unido to avoid persecution.
The businessman’s health has been a source of growing concern among family members and supporters, with reports indicating weight loss and prolonged isolation in the Pik Uk prison. Apesar Despite adverse conditions and severe communication restrictions, his figure continues to symbolize political resistance in the region, inspiring movements that now operate mostly underground or through encrypted digital networks.
