Hong Kong Court Overturns Jimmy Lai’s Fraud Conviction, in Rare Win

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by Tiffany May and David Pierson

February 26, 2026

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Hong Kong’s Court of Final Appeal has overturned Jimmy Lai’s fraud conviction, marking a rare victory in his ongoing legal battle. Despite the ruling, Lai’s imprisonment remains unchanged as the court found insufficient evidence linking him to fraudulent activities tied to his media empire. This decision highlights complexities within Hong Kong’s judicial system and underscores challenges faced by activists and journalists under the National Security Law. Jimmy Lai, a prominent media figure and co-founder of Now TV, had previously been convicted of national security offenses for allegedly colluding with foreign forces. His fraud conviction, handed down in February 2023, stemmed from allegations related to financial mismanagement at his companies. However, the Court of Final Appeal ruled that prosecutors failed to provide adequate proof, leading to the dismissal of the fraud charges. The ruling underscores a nuanced aspect of Hong Kong’s legal framework, where national security cases often intertwine with other offenses like fraud. While Lai’s prison term remains unaffected, the court’s decision challenges the broader implications of how evidence is handled in such cases. This outcome has sparked debate among legal experts and human rights groups about the balance between national security concerns and individual rights. The case also raises questions about press freedom in Hong Kong, particularly under the National Security Law. Lai’s prolonged legal struggles have drawn international attention, with concerns growing over the treatment of journalists and activists. The court’s ruling, while significant, does not alter the broader context of his ongoing imprisonment for national security offenses, leaving his situation far from resolved. In a region where press freedom is increasingly constrained, Jimmy Lai’s case serves as a critical reminder of the challenges faced by media figures advocating for democratic values. The overturning of his fraud conviction, while important, does little to alleviate his current

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Originally published on NYT Homepage on 2/26/2026