Hongkonger-Canadian Groups Denounces Draconian Sentence of Jimmy Lai

Toronto, February 9, 2026 — Action Free Hong Kong Montreal, Canada-Hong Kong Link, Saskatchewan Stands with Hong Kong, the Toronto Hong Kong Parent Group, the Vancouver Hong Kong Forum Society, and the Vancouver Society in Support of Democratic Movement jointly express their outrage at the sentencing of Jimmy Lai to 20 years in prison and of other defendants 6 to 10 years in prison. This verdict, following a trial that has been widely condemned as a political sham, confirms that the rule of law in Hong Kong has been replaced by a system of judicial persecution.

A Grave Humanitarian Crisis

Jimmy Lai, now 78 years old and living with diabetes, has already spent over 1,800 days in custody, much of it in solitary confinement. Given his advanced age and deteriorating health, a sentence of this magnitude is effectively a life sentence, one that places his survival at immediate risk. To keep an elderly prisoner of conscience behind bars under these conditions is a violation of international human rights and constitutes cruel and degrading treatment.

The Weaponization of the Law

The use of the National Security Law to criminalize independent journalism and peaceful dissent is a betrayal of the promises made to the people of Hong Kong. Jimmy Lai’s "crime" was his commitment to the core values of Hong Kong: the rule of law, freedom, and the pursuit of democracy.

"No one should be jailed, isolated, and allowed to deteriorate in prison for exercising fundamental freedoms protected under international human rights law."

Call to Action for the Canadian Government

We collectively urge the Government and Parliament of Canada to move beyond rhetoric and take decisive steps:

● Public Condemnation: Unequivocally denounce this sentencing as a tool of political repression.

● Diplomatic Pressure: Demand the immediate and unconditional release of Jimmy Lai and all political prisoners currently held in Hong Kong.

● Honorary Citizenship: Grant Jimmy Lai honorary citizenship to demonstrate Canada’s support to the freedom fighter, who has deep ties in Ontario.

● Sanctions: Utilize a human-rights lens to reassess trade and political engagement, including the implementation of sanctions against officials responsible for these egregious violations.

● Parliamentary Scrutiny: Maintain sustained oversight of the situation in Hong Kong

through relevant parliamentary committees.

Canada’s commitment to freedom, democracy and the rule of law is being tested. We cannot remain silent while a champion of free press is destroyed behind bars.