OTTAWA — Canadian and other G7 foreign ministers are condemning the conviction of an outspoken Hong Kong activist after he was found guilty of violating Hong Kong’s national security law earlier this week.

Jimmy Lai, a pro-democracy activist and critic of Beijing, is facing life in prison after being convicted of foreign collusion and sedition.

The G7 ministers, including Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand, say they are concerned about “deteriorating rights, freedoms and autonomy in Hong Kong.”

The ministers say in a statement that freedom of expression and opinion and media freedoms are enshrined in Hong Kong law.

The ministers are calling on Hong Kong authorities to release Lai and to end similar prosecutions.

Hong Kong dismisses claims Lai’s trial was politically motivated.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 17, 2025.

Alessia Passafiume, The Canadian Press