As G7 foreign ministers prepare to convene in Ontario’s Niagara Region, the family of hotel proprietor Jimmy Lai and the lord mayor of Niagara-on-the-Lake are demanding the release of the pro-democracy advocate from a Hong Kong incarceration.
Lai, who was detained in 2020 and is currently detained in Lai Chi Kok prison, is the owner of Vintage Hotels, a series of lodgings in the area. Holding both British and Hong Kong citizenship, he founded the now-defunct pro-democracy publication Apple Daily.
Expressing concern, Lai’s niece, Erica Lepp, residing in Niagara-on-the-Lake, emphasized that her uncle’s actions are no different from common practices in their home country. She described Niagara-on-the-Lake as his Canadian residence, where most of his Canadian relatives reside.
Niagara-on-the-Lake’s mayor, Gary Zalepa, underscored in a public letter released on Nov. 3 that Lai and his family have significantly contributed to the local community. Zalepa stressed that Lai’s presence has positively impacted the local economy, employment prospects, and heritage sites, enhancing tourism and supporting local enterprises.
The mayor’s backing for Lai’s liberation is rooted in the belief that every individual deserves fair treatment under the law. He also communicated his support for Lai’s release to Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand, who is poised to host the G7 ministers’ gathering.
Concerns about Lai’s health have been raised, particularly regarding his heart condition and diabetes. Held in solitary confinement for over 1,700 days, Lai’s family and advocacy groups have highlighted the adverse effects of such prolonged isolation on his well-being.
Additionally, Sébastien Lai, Jimmy’s son, addressed Canada’s standing committee on foreign affairs and international development via video link, expressing gratitude for Canada’s recent endorsement of his father’s release and voicing apprehensions about Lai’s deteriorating health.
During a press briefing in Etobicoke, suburban Toronto, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney affirmed his support for press freedom and appealed for Lai’s release. Carney emphasized humanitarian grounds and the importance of upholding press freedom, stressing Canada’s commitment to its citizens and residents.
In response to inquiries about Canadian officials advocating for Lai’s release, Lepp remarked that such support is overdue, given her uncle’s lengthy incarceration. She expressed the family’s longing for her cousins to have the opportunity to embrace their father before his passing.