Canadian woman fears her father will be detained in China for speaking out on human rights issues

Ottawa – Daughter of missing Chinese human rights defender is suing US VietnamThese and the Chinese government will reveal her father’s whereabouts and allow him to travel to Canada.

There has been no word on Higashi Kōhei’s fate since he was arrested on August 24th. Vietnamthese police.

His daughter Katherine Dong, who lives with her mother in Toronto, fears he has been extradited to Chinese authorities.

“He loves his family and is a brave survivor,” she said at a press conference in Ottawa on Thursday.

“I want to stay hopeful, but I fear the worst.”

Alongside her, the event was attended by representatives of the Toronto Chinese Association for Democracy and the China League for Democracy, as well as Alex Neave, former executive director of Amnesty International Canada.

According to the Association for Democracy, Tokohei was accepted for resettlement in Canada with government support. refugeesbut Ottawa could not persuade Vietnamthese officials allow him to leave Vietnam and traveled to Canada.

the don was hiding Vietnam 31 months while trying to gain freedom.

Don’s supporters say he was fired from his job as a police officer in China in 1999 because he signed an open letter related to the anniversary of the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre. He was imprisoned for three years for “sedition.”

Dong fled to Thailand in 2015 with his wife and daughter. refugeesseconds. However, Thailand sent Dong back to China.After another stint in prison, he tried to get out again and eventually got there Vietnam January 2020.

Catherine Dong and her supporters sent a personal letter of appeal to the Chinese on Thursday. VietnamEmbassy in Ottawa.

She is asking both governments to allow Canadian officials to visit her father immediately and to allow him to come to Canada without further delay.

“I was told by the Canadian government that there was no more news from them. VietnamThese officials are about my father,” she said, trying to hold back her tears.

“Why would they refuse to tell us if he’s okay? Why would they refuse to let him travel to Canada to reunite with his family? Vietnam Did you hand over my father to China? ”

Neave, now a senior fellow at the University of Ottawa, said it was “quite a diplomatic slap.” Vietnam You have not provided information to Canada regarding Don’s status.

VietnamWe reached out to the Canadian embassy for comment, but did not immediately receive a response.

Global Affairs Canada spokesman Grantley Franklin said Canada was deeply concerned for Don’s safety and well-being and was “expressing concern at the highest level.”

“Authorities are working to confirm his whereabouts, including diplomatic engagements with both countries. Vietnam And China,” said Franklin.

“Canada stands ready to help him reunite with his family. Vietnam respect him refugees International responsibility for status and human rights. “

Neve said the “strong response” from the Canadian government included an offer for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Foreign Minister Melanie Jolie to attend an international conference in Asia this month.

“I think it’s encouraging for all of us. It’s certainly encouraging for the family,” said Neve. “And I think it’s essential that it continues.”

This report by the Canadian Press was first published on November 17, 2022.