News Release: Senators Call for Release of Jimmy Lai, Hero for Hong Kong Democracy

OTTAWA, December 15, 2023 – Today the Senate adopted a motion jointly introduced by members of each group in the Senate – Leo Housakos (CPC), Senators Ratna Omidvar (ISG), Julie Miville-Dechêne (ISG), Rebecca Patterson (CSG), and Pierre Dalphond (PSG) – calling on Hong Kong authorities to release peaceful pro-democracy campaigner and publisher Jimmy Lai.

Mr. Lai founded and owned the hugely popular and independent newspaper Apple Daily until its closure in 2021. Mr. Lai has just spent his 76th birthday in prison where he has been for the last three years on charges brought under the National Security Law, whose provisions are inconsistent with international human rights law. The Senate’s motion follows the House of Commons’ adoption of a similar motion on December 12.

Jimmy Lai is a hero for Hong Kong democracy, imprisoned for daring to publish the truth. The free world must stand with Mr. Lai and other champions around the world for media freedom, the rule of law, and human rights.

Montreal’s Raoul Wallenberg Centre for Human Rights and Hong Kong Watch played a key leadership role in Parliament’s call for Mr. Lai’s release.

For further information, please contact:

Dimitri Bandini

Office of Senator Pierre Dalphond

343-573-9286

dimitri.bandini@sen.parl.gc.ca