The guilty verdict against former Hong Kong newspaper publisher Jimmy Lai is an affront to press freedom and human rights that cannot be allowed to stand without consequences for the Chinese government.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has long sought to maintain the country’s export-led economy while trampling on civil and political rights at home. 

China has prosecuted Mr. Lai under over-broad national security laws that criminalize journalism and free expression imposed on Hong Kong. He is now a political prisoner.

Canada’s federal government and its allies in the Media Freedom Coalition have scolded Beijing previously for its failure to respect press freedom. Canada is an executive member of the coalition.

In October, the coalition issued a statement of concern over the prosecution of journalist Zhang Zhan. A statement signed by 20 coalition members said they are “deeply concerned about the ongoing efforts by Chinese authorities to curtail media freedom, an essential element of the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms.”

The response to Mr. Lai’s imprisonment must go beyond statements of concern. Global calls for Mr. Lai’s release have gone unheeded in Beijing, but pressure must be maintained.

Prime Minister Mark Carney is looking to reset Canada’s relationship with China on a pragmatic basis centred on mutual interest and trade.

It must be principled pragmatism. Ottawa must be clear that Beijing’s continued violations of fundamental rights like press freedom will be an impediment to normal economic and commercial relations.

China is a signatory of the International Convention on Civil and Political Rights, which guarantees basic freedom of expression. Canada must encourage other members of the Media Freedom Coalition to make it clear that there will be costs to China’s ongoing violation of fundamental rights.

In a world of growing authoritarianism and attacks on journalists like Jimmy Lai, like-minded democracies must defend our essential human rights.