By Xiao Ran, Vision Times
TORONTO, Canada — On Feb. 22, Hong Kong diaspora groups in Toronto formed a human chain at Nathan Phillips Square to protest what they described as the “political sentencing” of Jimmy Lai, founder of pro-democracy outlet “Apple Daily.” Organized by the group “Never Forget Our Original Aspiration,” the event drew support from multiple community organizations, including the Toronto Association for Democracy in China and other pro-democracy networks.
Participants stood shoulder to shoulder, chanting “Free Jimmy Lai” and “Liberate Hong Kong,” calling on the Canadian government and the international community to pay closer attention to what they view as the erosion of Hong Kong’s rule of law, press freedom, and human rights.
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‘Effectively a death sentence’
Organizers said the rally aimed to protest Lai’s reported 20-year prison sentence. Now 78 years old, Lai would be nearly 98 if he were to serve the full term. Several speakers described the sentence as “equivalent to a death penalty.” Lai was handed the sentence on Feb. 9 under Hong Kong’s sweeping National Security Law.
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Tango Wong, founder of “Never Forget Our Original Aspiration,” told Vision Times that the event was not solely about Lai. “Our organization hopes Hong Kong people will awaken. Through Jimmy Lai’s case, we have not forgotten the brave brothers and sisters who sacrificed for the struggle,” he said. “Overseas, we can do more than those inside Hong Kong.”
Wong argued that the sentence was “fundamentally political. He did nothing wrong. The same is true of other protesters.” He added that the rally’s message to those still in Hong Kong was clear: “They have done nothing wrong. We will always support them.”
He also expressed concern about Lai’s health in detention. “Even one day in prison is punishment, and he did nothing wrong,” Wong said. “At 78, if he is released at 98, that is effectively a death sentence.” While Hong Kong authorities have stated Lai is in stable condition, Wong questioned the credibility of official assurances, noting they have not been independently verified. He concluded with a direct message: “Mr. Jimmy Lai, you are forever our warrior — a warrior of the struggle.”
Press freedom under siege
George Lao, secretary-general of the Toronto Association for Democracy in China, praised Lai’s decision to remain in Hong Kong despite having the option to leave. “He could have left long ago,” Lao said. “But he chose not to, because everything he had was built in Hong Kong. He wanted to give back and set an example.” Lao argued that this willingness to sacrifice earned Lai respect across Hong Kong and the broader democratic world.
Lao described media as the “fourth estate,” emphasizing its role in holding governments accountable. “Ordinary citizens may not have a voice, but through media coverage, public opinion can pressure the government,” he said. He criticized the current landscape in Hong Kong: “Now you see that independent media have been shut down. What remains are mouthpieces.” Without a free press, he warned, transparency and public accountability are severely weakened.
Other speakers echoed concerns that Lai’s case reflects a wider trend. Wong Koon-nang, president of the Hong Kong-Canada Association, called the sentence “a grave injustice,” arguing that it demonstrates the collapse of judicial independence.
A pattern of oppression
“If someone running a newspaper can receive such a heavy sentence, what does that say about media freedom?” he asked. “Judicial independence is clearly gone.” Wong added that, despite appearances, he believes Beijing’s authority is not unshakable. “Many people think the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) looks strong,” he said. “But it is strong on the outside and weak within.”
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Hou Shijun, deputy secretary-general of Civil Human Rights Front Canada, described Lai as “a symbol of Hong Kong democracy.” He called for the release of “Mr. Jimmy Lai and all political prisoners,” pledging continued international advocacy.
Former Hong Kong Muay Thai champion Kwai Teng also addressed the crowd, arguing that Lai’s imprisonment represents an attempt to extinguish press freedom entirely. He said it contradicts promises made under the 1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration regarding Hong Kong’s autonomy. Chanting “Hong Kong, add oil!” he thanked Lai for his sacrifices: “You have given so much for Hong Kong.”
Holding onto hope
Despite the somber tone, speakers stressed resilience. Wong referenced the 2014 and 2019 protest movements, saying: “Even when we knew there might be no immediate result, we still chose this path for the sake of our future generations.”
He added, “We firmly believe that at the end of darkness there is light. The liberation of Hong Kong remains our hope.”
The Toronto human chain may have been symbolic, but organizers said it represents a broader determination among overseas Hong Kong communities: to keep the spotlight on Lai’s case and on what they describe as a continuing crisis in Hong Kong’s legal and civil institutions.
