Last week, Hong Kong issued arrest warrants for 19 overseas activists belonging to a group called Hong Kong Parliament, advocating for self-determination in Hong Kong and the establishment of a Hong Kong constitution. Hong Kong authorities accuse the group of attempting to subvert Chinese institutions.
Victor Ho, a Canadian citizen and a journalist based in Vancouver working for Hong Kong’s Sing Tao Daily B.C. edition, is among the 19 activists facing arrest warrants. This is not the first time Ho has been targeted by Hong Kong authorities, as arrest warrants were issued for him in 2021 and again in December 2024.
In an interview with CBC’s host Gloria Macarenko, Ho mentioned that he was not surprised by the recent arrest warrant. He explained that he learned about it through social media while attending a concert in downtown Vancouver.
Despite the repeated warrants, Ho expressed no fear or concern, citing previous interactions with Canadian government agencies such as Global Affairs Canada, CSIS, RCMP, and the public safety ministry. These agencies provided him with advice on personal safety and precautions to avoid extradition to Hong Kong.
Regarding the accusations of seeking to overthrow the Chinese and Hong Kong governments, Ho emphasized that their group’s goal is to promote universal suffrage for Hong Kong residents and advocate for self-determination and democratic rights. He believes the accusations are exaggerated, stating that their efforts are focused on democratic principles rather than overthrowing governments.
When asked about his family in Hong Kong, Ho revealed that he severed ties with them to protect them from potential repercussions. Despite having many relatives in Hong Kong, he emphasized the importance of maintaining distance to ensure their safety.
Reflecting on why some of his family members choose to stay in Hong Kong despite the circumstances, Ho mentioned factors like financial constraints and cultural ties to mainland China. He explained that his decision to immigrate to Canada in 1997 was driven by concerns over his career as a journalist and the sensitivities associated with the communist regime.
Ho hopes that his family in Hong Kong will not face any repercussions due to his actions, as he has intentionally distanced himself from them for over 40 years. He understands the complexities that keep some of his relatives in Hong Kong despite the challenging political climate.
In conclusion, Victor Ho remains steadfast in his advocacy for democratic rights in Hong Kong, despite facing ongoing challenges and legal threats from Hong Kong authorities.