Picture this: a courageous voice for democracy, silenced in a courtroom far from home, while his loved ones grapple with the injustice. The conviction of Hong Kong's pro-democracy champion Jimmy Lai has left his family in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, and the United Kingdom reeling with sorrow, yet not taken aback. This isn't just a legal outcome—it's a stark reminder of how political battles can tear families apart. But here's where it gets controversial: was this truly a trial, or a calculated move to intimidate dissent? Stick around to explore the details that most headlines gloss over.
Hamilton · Updated
In a Hong Kong courtroom, judges delivered their ruling on Monday, convicting media tycoon and pro-democracy advocate Jimmy Lai on charges of conspiring to collaborate with overseas entities to jeopardize state security, as well as conspiring to disseminate subversive publications. Lai's relatives in Ontario's Niagara Region and across the pond in the UK expressed deep disappointment, though they admitted the result wasn't unforeseen.
'This proceeding was fundamentally unjust from the start,' remarked Lai's niece following the Hong Kong court's pronouncement.
Diona Macalinga · CBC News
· Published: Dec 16, 2025 1:40 PM EST | Last Modified: 18 minutes ago
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On the evening when the Hong Kong court announced its verdict in the case against pro-democracy activist and media mogul Jimmy Lai, his relatives in Ontario's Niagara area stayed awake into the night, eagerly awaiting the news. Erica Lepp, Lai's niece, repeatedly refreshed online news pages until she stumbled upon the confirmation, despite her inner conviction about what was coming.
On Monday, Lai—an ardent opponent of the Chinese administration—was found guilty of plotting to align with external powers to threaten national safety and of plotting to circulate incendiary content. He had entered not-guilty pleas on every count.
At 78 years old, Lai's arrest back in 2020 occurred under a national security statute enacted by Beijing in the wake of extensive 2019 demonstrations against the government. He operates Vintage Hotels, a collection of lodgings throughout Niagara. As a citizen of both Britain and Hong Kong, he established the now-defunct pro-democracy outlet Apple Daily.
- Hong Kong tribunal convicts media magnate and Beijing detractor Jimmy Lai of sedition and foreign interference (link)
The panel of three judges cited 161 pieces from Apple Daily as foundational evidence in their extensive 855-page ruling.
'We definitely anticipated this result,' Lepp shared with CBC News shortly after the judgment.
Lepp revealed that Lai's defense attorneys had warned her early on that 'this was the inevitable conclusion, regardless of developments.'
'I believe my uncle was singled out as a warning to others, and that was always the intent. I'm deeply saddened... I mourn for Hong Kong as a society. And I'm certain my relatives share that grief,' Lepp continued, noting she exchanged encouraging messages with cousins ahead of the verdict.
His UK-based family also felt disheartened yet unsurprised by the tribunal's choice, as his son Sebastien told reporters in London, according to The Associated Press. 'In their 800-page judgment, there's virtually no evidence that actually implicates him,' Sebastien explained, as quoted by the AP. 'This illustrates precisely how the national security legislation has been twisted and used as a weapon against an individual who merely voiced opinions they disliked.'
'This ruling demonstrates that the authorities remain terrified of our father, even as he's frail, because of what he symbolizes,' his daughter Claire stated in a declaration, per AP reports. 'We uphold his innocence and decry this blatant denial of justice.'
During a conversation with CBC's Nil Köksal on As It Happens, Claire confided, 'I long for him immensely, particularly after he celebrated his 78th birthday just last weekend. For the past five years, we've consistently made it a point to visit on his birthday. This year, it felt hollow.' She added, 'I'm optimistic that by speaking publicly, we might eventually achieve the family gathering I've been yearning for.'
This case 'transcends my uncle's personal plight'
Lepp reminisced about trips to visit her uncle in Hong Kong during her youth. Her mother was Lai's identical twin.
'It's transformed so drastically,' she observed. 'To me, this verdict seems like the closing chapter on the Hong Kong we knew, and the liberties its inhabitants once enjoyed. This trial was never equitable, not for a moment,' she emphasized.
- Niagara relatives and local leader urge liberation of hotel entrepreneur Jimmy Lai from Hong Kong detention ahead of G7 summit (link)
Prior to the conviction, the Niagara branch of Amnesty International dispatched 43 letters to Lai in his Hong Kong jail as part of their Write for Rights initiative.
'We're aware that Mr. Lai is being showcased as a cautionary tale,' stated Lidija Biro, a participant in the regional Amnesty group, as they persistently appeal to global leaders for compassion in Lai's upcoming punishment.
Lai's offspring mentioned that their father has shed 22 pounds over the last year, along with losing some nails and teeth. His legal representatives also pointed out enduring heart irregularities, necessitating a cardiac monitor and prescribed treatments, as reported by Reuters. Lepp added that he manages diabetes.
'We prayed for mercy considering his advanced age and worsening condition,' Biro remarked.
Authorities worldwide denounce Hong Kong tribunal's ruling
Several nations issued responses following Lai's conviction.
'The UK vehemently opposes the politically driven legal action against Jimmy Lai,' posted UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper on X, demanding his prompt liberation and unrestricted medical attention.
- Niagara demonstration in support of pro-democracy campaigner Jimmy Lai attracts relatives, locals, and staff (link)
The foreign secretary further noted that Lai was 'specifically targeted' by the Chinese and Hong Kong regimes using the national security statute 'enforced in Hong Kong to mute critics of China.'
On X (formerly Twitter), Conservative UK Member of Parliament Priti Patel called on Prime Minister Keir Starmer to discuss the matter with President Xi Jinping, enabling Lai's return to his British family. Patel asserted that the UK administration 'has fallen short in resisting the erosion of liberty and human rights in Hong Kong' since Beijing's national security measure was applied. For beginners, this law—imposed after the 2019 protests—was designed to curb perceived threats to China's authority, but critics argue it suppresses free speech, much like how historical sedition laws were used to silence reformers.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump voiced backing for Lai's release during a talk with China's leader and indicated it could strengthen U.S.-China relations at their October meeting in South Korea, per Reuters. Soon after the verdict, Florida Senator Rick Scott tweeted, 'By persisting in the unjust detention of Mr. Lai, [President Xi Jinping] and his allies in the [Chinese Communist Party] reveal they're uninterested in fostering improved ties between our nations.'
Lai's punishment phase kicks off next year
In October, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney affirmed Canada's backing of 'press liberty and our plea for Mr. Lai's freedom.'
Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand echoed the demand for Lai's instant discharge, stating on X that 'Canada repudiates the politically influenced prosecution of Jimmy Lai pursuant to Hong Kong's National Security Law.' 'We persistently voice our worries over the erosion of rights, freedoms, and self-governance as outlined in Hong Kong’s Basic Law,' Anand wrote.
Lai could face imprisonment for life on the collusion allegation by itself. The sentencing procedure commences in early 2026, with his defense presentation slated for January 12.
And this is the part most people miss: while some view the national security law as a necessary shield against chaos, others see it as a blunt instrument for repression. Is this conviction a legitimate enforcement of law, or a brazen effort to crush opposition? For instance, consider how similar laws in other nations have sparked debates—think of how free speech advocates in the U.S. worry about potential government overreach on social media. What do you think? Does this verdict uphold justice, or does it exemplify how power can weaponize the courts? Share your thoughts in the comments—do you agree with the family's view of a 'miscarriage of justice,' or do you see a counterpoint where the law protects national interests? Let's discuss!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Diona Macalinga, based in St. Catharines, is a CBC journalist focusing on Niagara region's communities. Previously, she worked as a video journalist covering Quebec's legislature, arts, and local happenings in Montreal. Reach out with story suggestions or tips at diona.macalinga@cbc.ca.
With contributions from The Associated Press and Reuters
