As foreign ministers from the G7 nations gear up for a meeting in Ontario’s Niagara Region, relatives of hotel proprietor Jimmy Lai and the mayor of Niagara-on-the-Lake are urging for the release of the pro-democracy advocate from a Hong Kong jail.
Lai, the owner of Vintage Hotels and a British-Hong Kong dual citizen, was detained in 2020 and is currently incarcerated at Lai Chi Kok prison. He established the now-defunct pro-democracy publication, Apple Daily.
Expressing concern for her uncle, Erica Lepp, residing in Niagara-on-the-Lake, emphasized that Lai has not committed any transgressions beyond those commonplace in their own country. She highlighted the significance of Niagara-on-the-Lake as Lai’s Canadian base and the primary residence for most of his Canadian relatives.
Niagara-on-the-Lake’s mayor, Gary Zalepa, conveyed his support for Lai’s freedom through a public letter, underscoring the family’s substantial contributions to the community. Zalepa emphasized the importance of fair treatment for all individuals under the law and reached out to Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand in anticipation of the upcoming G7 ministers’ gathering.
Lai, a prominent figure arrested under China’s national security law following the 2019 pro-democracy demonstrations in Hong Kong, faced charges including conspiracy with foreign forces and publishing seditious material against the Chinese government. Concerns have been raised about his health, with reports indicating heart complications during his trial.
Acknowledging the extended solitary confinement endured by Lai, his family expressed gratitude for the backing received from Mayor Zalepa and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. Sébastien Lai, Jimmy’s son, addressed the Canadian parliamentary committee, expressing appreciation for Canada’s support and stressing the urgency of the situation.
Carney, during a press briefing in Etobicoke, emphasized Canada’s stance on press freedom and advocated for Lai’s release on humanitarian grounds. Responding to queries regarding granting honorary citizenship to Lai, Carney reiterated the prioritization of Canadian citizens and residents’ welfare, while upholding press freedom in Hong Kong.
Reflecting on the prolonged incarceration of her uncle, Lepp emphasized the necessity of prompt action, underscoring the desire for her cousins to reunite with their father before it is too late.