Tears fell in Simcoe Park on Wednesday as residents, politicians and family members gathered in Niagara-on-the-Lake to demand freedom for Jimmy Lai — the Hong Kong publisher, democracy advocate and local hotelier now imprisoned for his beliefs.
Among them was Dallas Auker, a maintenance manager with Niagara’s Finest Hotels, one of Lai’s local businesses.
“He is my hero,” he said. “I mean, he stands for freedom for everyone.”
Dozens gathered at the park in Old Town, joined by Lai’s niece Erica Lepp, local officials including Lord Mayor Gary Zalepa, MP Tony Baldinelli, MPP Wayne Gates and several town councillors, as well as Lai’s former employees and community supporters.
“We are so grateful,” Lepp said in an interview. “The turnout has blown my mind.”
“My uncle loves this town — and today we can really feel the love,” she added.
Lai was arrested in August 2020 under Hong Kong’s national security law. He has remained imprisoned in solitary confinement in the region.
He founded Apple Daily, a Hong Kong newspaper widely described as having a pro-democracy editorial position. In Niagara-on-the-Lake, his family owns Vintage Hotels, which manages the Prince of Wales Hotel, Queen’s Landing and the Pillar and Post.
Lepp said her uncle’s case is about more than one man; it’s about the universal right to freedom of speech, “something that’s so important on a global level,” she said.
“My uncle is being held 23 hours a day in a windowless room — the same way they treat serial killers — and he’s a journalist,” she said. “And there’s other people that are being held as well.”
Keeping her uncle’s name in the public eye is vital to ensuring his case gets the attention it deserves, said Lepp: “That’s how these matters get the attention that they need.”
Auker, who has written letters to Hong Kong authorities calling for Lai’s release, had shirts printed years ago in support of him, which he and his wife, Jeannine Sanderson, wore to the rally.
Auker said Lai’s choice to give up a life of luxury and face prison showed a selflessness he compared to Mahatma Gandhi.
“He’s kind of inspired me to actually be a better man because of it,” he added.
Coun. Gary Burroughs said he remembers Lai from “back in the early ’90s, is when I knew him best.”
“He was in Niagara and they bought my hotel. I owned the Oban Inn at the time,” he said. “He would come to our house for dinner, he and (his wife) Teresa.”
Burroughs said it’s important for NOTL to rally because Lai left a lasting mark on the community.
“He shouldn’t be in confinement,” he said. “That’s why we’re here.”
Among those supporting Lai’s release was Kevin Roden, who broke down as he spoke about the man he’s followed for decades.
“He’s a hero of mine and what’s happening is wrong,” he said.
“He has principles, and he’s in jail for his principles,” he said. “I admire that.”
Kevin’s father, Roy Roden, said Lai’s contributions, “particularly this town,” have long earned his admiration.
The two shared a common belief: no one should be punished for their views.
Bob Woodley agrees. He said Lai’s imprisonment shows what happens when only one political view is allowed to exist.
“He was representing one side and basically got shut down,” he said.
Stephen Lunt said he believes that Lai is “unjustly in prison.”
“He’s a great benefactor to this town,” he added. “Look around and see what he’s done here.”
Sig Neuhof, who attended the rally with his wife, Liz Walker, said Lai’s advocacy for democratic values has earned his support: “He’s done an excellent job in promoting democracy.”
“It’s important to support him,” added Neuhof.
Lidija Biro, a member of Amnesty International’s NOTL chapter, said it’s time the world becomes more aware that Lai is a “prisoner of conscience.”
“He’s being held in very difficult conditions. He’s an elderly, ailing man, and we would like to see him being released on humanitarian grounds,” she said.
“We would like to see Foreign Minister (Anita) Anand do a little bit more for him,” she added.
Biro said the chapter will host a Write for Rights event on Dec. 11 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Community Centre café, where participants can write Christmas letters to Lai.
She said Lai’s age and health make his situation especially urgent. Lai turns 78 on Dec. 8.
“At the end of the day, I would just love for my uncle to be able to get out and be able to hug the people he loves,” said Lepp.
At the rally, she thanked the crowd for showing the love her uncle always preached, saying his message was simple: “Everything has to be with love.”
