Jimmy Lai’s sentencing in China to 20 years in prison on Monday has prompted a strong show of support in Niagara-on-the-Lake, where he has deep business and family ties.
Lai, the owner of the now-defunct Apple Media as well as Vintage Hotels and Niagara’s Finest Hotels, was first imprisoned in 2020 under China’s controversial national security law, which critics say suppresses free speech.
The Associated Press reported that Lai was convicted in December of “conspiring with others to collude with foreign forces to endanger national security, and conspiracy to publish seditious articles.”
Lai is a longtime advocate for democracy in Hong Kong.
His niece, Erica Lepp, a Niagara-on-the-Lake resident and property manager with Rentals Niagara, said the sentence is a tragedy for the family.
“My mother, children and I are devastated by the news of my uncle’s verdict, which is nothing short of a life sentence for him,” she said in an email. “Our hearts are with his wife and children, as our entire family grapples with the thought that we may never see him again.”
Lepp said the family will “continue to bring attention to his case in all our efforts and appreciate every Canadian politician on the local, provincial and federal level that are doing the same.”
Niagara Falls MP Tony Baldinelli, who represents Niagara-on-the-Lake federally, released a statement on Facebook applauding Lai’s courage and noted that Canada’s Subcommittee on International Human Rights unanimously passed a motion condemning the sentence.
“Jimmy Lai has deep family connections to Niagara and it is incumbent on all of us to stand and advocate for him and the people of Hong Kong, by calling for his immediate and unconditional release,” he said.
Bob Jackson, chief executive officer of Vintage Hotels, said Lai’s sentencing was “pre-determined” and “nothing surprising,” but added that it does not “make it any less troubling” for the family.
Lai’s twin sister, Si Wai Lai, manages the Oban Inn in NOTL.
Jackson called Lai the “undeniable inspiration for what we do” at Vintage Hotels and praised his advocacy for democracy in Hong Kong.
“It has a much broader significance for anybody that believes in freedom of speech, freedom of democracy and freedom of the press,” he said.
Coun. Erwin Wiens said it is “unnerving” that a pro-democracy advocate like Lai has been treated this way by the Chinese government.
“It reminds me of what an amazing individual this chap is,” he said. “Here’s somebody who did not have to go back to fight for democracy … that’s true leadership.”
Lord Mayor Gary Zalepa echoed these thoughts.
“I am deeply concerned to hear of the 20-year sentence imposed on Jimmy Lai,” he said. “My thoughts are with his family, particularly those here in NOTL, at this difficult time. I have confidence that the Government of Canada will continue to advocate on Mr. Lai’s behalf and pursue all appropriate diplomatic avenues in his case.”
Lidjia Biro, a member at Amnesty International based in NOTL, said the sentencing of Lai was “very sad.”
“Our local chapter of Amnesty is heartbroken for him and his family as well as all the local supporters.”
Lepp said support from the community will help her family endure Lai’s imprisonment.
“The NOTL community has always been abundant in their support of my uncle and his case, and as messages flood in we are grateful to our small town for keeping their thoughts and eyes on this situation.”
Vintage Hotels properties include the Pillar and Post and the Prince of Wales Hotel. Niagara’s Finest Hotels operates the Charles Hotel, Harbour House and the Shaw Club.
