OTTAWA – The Canadian government has publicly condemned the actions of Hong Kong's law enforcement authorities following the announcement of bounties and warrants issued for 19 pro-democracy activists, several of whom reside in Canada. The statement, released jointly by Foreign Minister Anita Anand and Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree, emphasizes Canada's refusal to tolerate what it deems an attempt by Hong Kong to exercise "transnational repression" beyond its borders.
This announcement follows the issuance of warrants and rewards by the Hong Kong police for the aforementioned activists, who are accused of "suspected contravention" of the National Security Law. Their alleged infractions stem from efforts to promote self-determination within Hong Kong. Among those named is Canadian citizen Victor Ho, who had already been facing a warrant since December, associated with a reward of HK$1 million for information leading to his arrest.
In response to the new developments, Ho expressed that while the warrant adds to heightened international awareness, he is not surprised to see his name listed again. He stressed that maintaining a normal routine is crucial: "the best policy on handling the situation is to keep everyday business as usual as possible."
The updated list of 19 activists includes at least three additional Canadian residents, such as Keung Ka-wai, based in Vancouver. Keung shared his mixed feelings regarding safety but asserted that he would not abandon his commitment to the Hong Kong democratic movement. Having been arrested nine times and imprisoned twice prior to his relocation to Canada, he remains dedicated to furthering democracy in Hong Kong. "It is very important to us because that is our dream," Keung remarked, emphasizing the need to push for democratic development.
Despite frightening implications, Keung has resolved not to return to Hong Kong as suggested by authorities. The police had urged those on the wanted list to come back and surrender rather than "making more mistakes.” Ho echoed this sentiment, indicating no concerns about his own safety and disclosing that he had ceased all communication with family members in Hong Kong since last year. Global Affairs Canada has also reached out to ascertain how many individuals in Canada are being targeted by these warrants.
In their joint statement, Anand and Anandasangaree criticized the recent warrants and aligned Canada with other "international partners" also affected by Hong Kong's actions. They described these developments as acts of transnational repression, particularly affecting Canadians and those connected to Canada. "Canada reiterates its previous calls to repeal this law, which violates Hong Kong’s international human rights obligations, and withdraw all related warrants and bounties," the statement insisted.
Previously, in December, Ho had reacted to being named on the wanted list, humorously referring to it as the "best Christmas present." He reaffirmed his rights as a Canadian citizen protected under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms while exercising his freedom of speech. Ho has played a notable role in the pro-democracy movement in Canada, having initiated plans to elect an unofficial "Hong Kong parliament" in 2022, with the organizers reporting a total of 15,702 votes cast by June.
This ongoing situation not only casts a shadow over the pro-democracy efforts in Hong Kong but also highlights the tensions and implications of international human rights, as the Canadian government continues to navigate these challenges on behalf of its citizens and residents.
