A protest took place in Niagara-on-the-Lake while foreign ministers of G7 nations were meeting nearby, demanding the release of Jimmy Lai, a pro-democracy activist and media tycoon currently imprisoned in Hong Kong. Lai, who also owns several hotels in the Niagara Region, had supporters including his family in Canada gather at Simcoe Park on Wednesday before marching to the Prince of Wales Hotel and the Queen’s Landing, both owned by Lai.
Lai, the founder of Apple Daily, a prominent pro-democracy newspaper in Hong Kong that operated for 26 years until its closure in 2021, has been a vocal critic of the Chinese government. Facing charges of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and sedition against the Chinese government, Lai has been in solitary confinement for over 1,700 days. He maintains his innocence and awaits the judgment following the conclusion of his trial in August.
The rally in support of Lai was organized by Amnesty International’s Niagara-on-the-Lake chapter to coincide with the G7 foreign ministers’ meeting at the White Oaks Resort. Local residents, including Lai’s family members and employees, participated in the event to raise awareness and advocate for Lai’s release. Lidija Biro, a member of Amnesty International, emphasized the importance of improving Lai’s conditions and securing his freedom due to his deteriorating health.
During the rally, Biro collected signatures for a letter addressed to Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand, urging for Lai’s release. Amnesty International has classified Lai as a “prisoner of conscience,” highlighting his imprisonment based on his beliefs without advocating violence. The support for Lai’s cause extended to discussions of possible honorary citizenship for him in Canada, emphasizing the principles of press freedom and human rights.