Last week, Hong Kong issued arrest warrants for 19 overseas activists who are part of a group known as Hong Kong Parliament, advocating for self-determination and a constitution in Hong Kong. Hong Kong accuses the group of using illegal methods to destabilize Chinese institutions. One of the individuals targeted is Victor Ho, a Canadian journalist based in Vancouver working for the B.C. edition of Hong Kong’s Sing Tao Daily. This is not the first time Ho has faced arrest warrants from Hong Kong, having been issued warrants in 2021 and again in December 2024.
Speaking on CBC’s program “On The Coast,” Ho mentioned that he was not surprised by the recent arrest warrant. He first learned about it through social media while at a concert in downtown Vancouver. Despite this being the third warrant issued against him, Ho expressed no fear or concern, attributing it to prior experiences.
Following the accusations made by the Hong Kong police against his group for allegedly attempting to overthrow the Chinese and Hong Kong governments through unlawful means, Ho defended their actions as merely advocating for universal suffrage and democratic rights for Hong Kong residents. He denied having the capability to orchestrate a government overthrow.
Regarding the well-being of his friends and family in Hong Kong, Ho revealed that he had severed all ties with his family in Hong Kong as a precautionary measure to protect them from potential police inquiries. Despite having numerous relatives in Hong Kong, Ho stated that he had not received any negative news about their safety. He emphasized the importance of maintaining distance to prevent any repercussions on his family members due to his activist involvement.
When questioned about why some of his family members stayed in Hong Kong despite the risks, Ho explained that factors such as financial constraints and cultural ties with mainland China influenced their decision to remain. In contrast, he disclosed that his decision to immigrate to Canada in 1997 was driven by career considerations, as he was aware of the sensitivities surrounding journalism under a communist regime.
In response to the current situation, the Canadian government has reached out to Ho multiple times, providing advice on his safety and cautioning against traveling to countries with extradition treaties with Hong Kong. They have expressed a commitment to ensuring his protection and well-being.
Overall, Ho remains steadfast in his advocacy for democratic rights in Hong Kong while prioritizing the safety and security of his loved ones in the face of ongoing challenges from the Hong Kong authorities.