Hong Kong, 26 February (LaPresse/AP) – A Hong Kong appeals court has overturned the fraud convictions of activist and former publisher Jimmy Lai in a case related to contract violations at his publishing group's offices. The judges ruled that the prosecution had not proven beyond reasonable doubt that he was guilty of making false statements, overturning the five-year and nine-month sentence imposed in 2022. Lai, founder of the pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily, remains in prison, however, having been sentenced earlier this month to 20 years' imprisonment under China's national security law. His case continues to draw international criticism and concerns about press freedom in the former British colony.