This situation has been predicted by observers since Hong Kong implemented a new national security law in June 2020.
Recently, a 'wanted' list by the Hong Kong government was posted on
Former editor-in-chief of the Xin Tao Daily, Victor Ho, was indicted earlier this month by the Hong Kong government's security bureau on charges of subversion. He lost power after attending a press conference in Toronto proposing a Hong Kong parliament in exile to oppose Beijing's crackdown on political freedoms.
Two parliamentarians and an affiliated civil society group recently called on the Prime Minister and the Federal Foreign Minister to draw attention to the Ho case and openly condemn the Hong Kong government. rice field.
Ho said Tuesday he had not been contacted by federal officials.
Global Affairs Canada said on Tuesday that Postmedia's inquiry was forwarded to Public Security Canada for a response. No response was received by the deadline.
"If I were a government and I knew there was an outcry, I would take appropriate action to actively protect people like Victor. should be taken,” a Chinese-Canadian Concern Group on CCP Human Rights Violations.
Chu and other advocates say that Canadians facing foreign threats or intimidation should be safe to call.
"In such cases, the RCMP should be prepared to receive and respond to such calls." No,” said Chu. "We need a place where the public can voice their concerns." said it believed it could contact Hong Kong authorities and seek formal complaints against certain citizens being wanted by a foreign government.
Tung Chan, a veteran activist and retired honorary naval officer, said Mr Ho's situation was the first official indication that Hong Kong's national security law had reached Canada. said it was a sign.
Since Hong Kong enacted new national security laws in June 2020, observers like Chan have predicted such accusations were inevitable. decided to suspend a decades-old extradition agreement that allowed people to be sent to Hong Kong. Kong for certain crimes.
"I always believed that the way the law was written was to make sure that people abroad, i.e. people not living in Hong Kong or China, could be subject to this kind of thing. I have to choose, this kind of treatment, if I take my words carefully,” Chan said.
This means Canadian officials need to find a way to respond rather than just suspend extradition agreements, he said.
"We believe that we who live in a democratic country, a law-abiding country, a country where the law is the rule of the country, should continue to do what we think is right and enjoy the freedoms we have been given. By our country's constitution and law enforcement agencies, Canadians … should not be controlled by the actions of foreign countries in doing what is perfectly lawful. You're going to give up all the features, and this shouldn't be allowed."
Mr. Chan isn't sure what government and law enforcement officials can do, but he's not sure what policymakers can do. We believe we need to take this kind of treatment of Canadian citizens seriously and ensure that Canadians who speak up and do what is lawful can act. Keep enjoying that freedom.
Formerly University of BC. "It is Canada's responsibility to ensure that (Mr Ho) is not harassed," said Yves Tiberghien, a professor of political science.
In an open letter to Ottawa, the Chinese Canadian Concern Group on Human Rights Violations by the Communist Party of China said the Hong Kong government's addition of Mr. It is a serious violation of rights," he said. , as others who follow Victor may be persecuted alike by the Hong Kong and Chinese governments for their lawful expression and conduct in Canada."
But the letter It said it did not legitimize "any activity or ideology" related to the content of Hong Kong's "parliament in exile" proposed by Ho.
— with files from Douglas Quan
jlee-young@postmedia.com
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