Wang Yan remembers the last time she spoke to her husband, Li Yonghui, very clearly. It was December 13, 2019. Li, a Canadian citizen, was in a public square in Shijiazhuang, China, chatting with her over the phone while he was exercising. Suddenly, the call dropped. Wang felt something was wrong when she couldn’t reach him again.
Li had been detained by the city police, accused of illegally gathering public funds through his company, Qingyidai, a peer-to-peer lending platform. Since that day, he has been held in detention without trial or sentencing, leaving his family in Canada desperate for answers.
Now, more than five years later, Wang and their daughter, Wandi Li, are speaking out publicly about their plight. They are hoping to bring attention to Li’s case and push for a resolution. Wang expressed her frustration, stating, "We don’t have a choice," as they seek clarity on Li’s situation.
Global Affairs Canada has confirmed that there are around 100 Canadians currently imprisoned in China, but it is rare for families to speak out. Wang insists on her husband’s innocence, maintaining that he operated Qingyidai lawfully. She urges the Chinese authorities to either put him on trial or release him, saying, “If he did violate some laws or rules, please put him on trial and sentence him.”
Wandi, who was just 21 when her father was arrested, shared her feelings about growing up without him. She hopes that raising awareness will lead to a positive outcome. “Our hope is just that the word does get around, and that hopefully because if more people know about it, maybe the government in China will be a little more swayed,” she said.
Li’s family is increasingly worried about his health, as he reportedly suffers from high blood pressure and has been denied dental care during his detention. Former detainee Michael Kovrig, who spent over 1,000 days in Chinese custody, advised families of detainees to seek good legal representation and to engage with human rights organizations, though he warned that this might provoke the authorities.
Wang and Wandi are determined to keep fighting for Li’s release. They want to ensure that their voices are heard and that their loved one is not forgotten. As they continue to advocate for him, they hope for the day when Li can return home to Canada.