I call the meeting to order.
Before I begin, I'd like to say a few words about an incident that occurred at the end of last week's meeting. On behalf of myself and all members of this committee, we apologize to our esteemed colleague Alexis Brunelle‑Duceppe. It will never happen again. We also apologize to all the interpreters. What happened will never happen again.
I'd also like to ask all members of this committee to refrain from engaging in crosstalk.
Crosstalk is not acceptable and is not according to the rules of this committee. It will be not accepted. Please respect—starting with me and all colleagues—the rules of the committee.
Welcome to meeting number 44 of the Subcommittee on International Human Rights of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development.
Today we begin our study on Jimmy Lai's detention in Hong Kong.
We'll have a second meeting next week. At the end of today's meeting, we'll take a few minutes to discuss it.
To ensure an orderly meeting, I'd like to share a few rules for witnesses and members.
Before speaking, please wait until I recognize you by name. If you are on the videoconference using the Zoom application, please click on the microphone icon to unmute yourself. When you are not speaking, your mike should be on mute.
For interpretation, for those on Zoom, you have the choice of floor, English or French at the bottom of your screen. For those in the room, you can use your earpiece and select the desired channel.
In accordance with our routine motion concerning sound checks, I wish to inform the subcommittee that all witnesses have completed the required tests in advance of the meeting.
I would now like to welcome the witnesses who have joined us today.
We have, as an individual, Sébastien Lai, who is joining us by videoconference. From Doughty Street Chambers, from Mr. Lai's legal team, we have Caoilfhionn Gallagher, barrister, and Jonathan Price, barrister.
From the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China, we have Luke de Pulford, co-founder and executive director, and Chung Ching Kwong, senior analyst, appearing as an individual.
Finally, from Hong Kong Watch, we have Katherine Leung, policy advisor.
Thank you all for being with us today. You will have up to five minutes for opening remarks, after which we will proceed to questions from the members of the subcommittee. I will let you know when you have one minute left on the clock.
Welcome, Mr. Lai. You have the floor for five minutes. Please begin.