Statement by Minister Joly on Hong Kong arrest warrants

December 24, 2024 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement:

“Canada deplores the decision by Hong Kong authorities to issue international bounties and cancel the passports of democracy activists and former Hong Kong lawmakers. Those targeted include Canadians and people with close ties to Canada.

“This attempt by Hong Kong authorities to conduct transnational repression abroad, including by issuing threats, intimidation or coercion against Canadians or those in Canada, will not be tolerated.

“Hong Kong authorities are targeting these people for actions that amount to nothing more than the exercise of freedom of speech by standing up for democracy and human rights.

“These individuals are targeted under Hong Kong’s National Security Law. The UN Human Rights Committee has called for this law’s repeal, since it is incompatible with Hong Kong’s international human rights obligations.

“Canada reiterates its previous calls to repeal the Beijing-imposed National Security Law, to end prosecution of individuals under this law and withdraw all related warrants and bounties.

“Canada will continue to stand with the people of Hong Kong.”