Hong Kong's Top Court Upholds Guilty Verdicts of Pro-Democracy Tycoon and Campaigners

Hong Kong's highest court has upheld the convictions of media mogul Jimmy Lai and six other pro-democracy campaigners for participating in an unauthorized assembly in 2019. Despite lower court overturning some charges, the appeal based on human rights arguments was dismissed, highlighting differences in legal frameworks between Hong Kong and the UK.

Hong Kong's top court on Monday unanimously dismissed the appeal to overturn the convictions of media tycoon Jimmy Lai and six other pro-democracy campaigners for their involvement in an unauthorized assembly in 2019. Lai, 76, the founder of the pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily, along with veteran democrat Martin Lee and others, was found guilty of organizing and participating in the assembly amid the city's pro-democracy protests.

While a lower court had dismissed their conviction for organizing the assembly, the charge of participation was upheld. The appeal argued the conviction's proportionality in relation to fundamental human rights, referencing Britain's Supreme Court decisions on operational proportionality. Chief Justice Andrew Cheung and Judge Roberto Ribeiro stated the UK decisions were not applicable due to differing legal frameworks.

The judgment follows the recent resignation of two British judges from Hong Kong's Court of Final Appeal, who cited concerns over the city's shifting legal landscape. David Neuberger, who remains on the court, supported the verdict while acknowledging the nuanced differences between Hong Kong's and the UK's legal system. Beijing's national security law, enacted in 2020, continues to influence legal proceedings in the city.

(With inputs from agencies.)