As G7 foreign ministers gather in Ontario’s Niagara Region, the family of Vintage Hotels owner Jimmy Lai and Niagara-on-the-Lake’s mayor advocate for the release of the imprisoned pro-democracy activist in Hong Kong. Lai, a British and Hong Kong citizen, was arrested in 2020 and is currently detained in Lai Chi Kok prison. He is known for founding the now-closed pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily.
His niece, Erica Lepp, residing in Niagara-on-the-Lake, emphasized that Lai’s actions are not different from daily practices in their own country. She highlighted Niagara-on-the-Lake as her uncle’s Canadian home and a significant location for his Canadian family.
Niagara-on-the-Lake’s mayor, Gary Zalepa, praised Lai and his family for their positive impact on the community, mentioning their contributions to the local economy, job creation, and preservation of heritage properties. Zalepa expressed his support for Lai’s release, underscoring the importance of fair treatment under the law and reaching out to Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand ahead of the G7 ministers’ meeting.
Lai’s trial, which began in December 2023 and concluded in August, involved charges related to colluding with foreign forces and seditious acts against the Chinese government. Facing a potential life sentence if convicted, Lai experienced health issues during the trial, including heart palpitations. Recent support for his release came from U.S. President Donald Trump in a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Concerns about Lai’s well-being, particularly his diabetes and prolonged solitary confinement, have raised alarms among his family and rights groups. His son, Sébastien Lai, expressed gratitude for Canada’s support and urged continued attention to his father’s case during a committee meeting on foreign affairs and international development.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney echoed calls for Lai’s release, emphasizing humanitarian grounds and press freedom support. Lepp welcomed the overdue support from Canadian politicians and stressed the urgency of reuniting Lai with his family after years of imprisonment.