Chinese activist Zhang Xinyan, wanted by Hong Kong gov’t, finally arrives in Canada after Thailand detention
Chinese activist Zhang Xinyan, who is wanted by the Hong Kong government, has finally arrived in Canada after being detained in Thailand ahead of her scheduled flight. Sheng Xue, a Chinese Canadian activist who has been trying to assist Zhang, said on Facebook on Wednesday that the activist arrived at Vancouver International Airport on Monday […]
Chinese activist Zhang Xinyan, a target of Hong Kong authorities, has finally arrived in Canada after spending time in Thai custody. Zhang, who was previously elected as a member of the Hong Kong Parliament, has been at the center of controversy due to her association with Falun Gong, a spiritual movement banned in China. Sheng Xue, a Chinese Canadian activist, shared on Facebook that Zhang arrived at Vancouver International Airport on Monday morning.
Zhang was wanted by Hong Kong national security police for her involvement in unofficial polls to form a shadow legislature outside the city. The Hong Kong Parliament, an organization of activists in Canada, was banned in Hong Kong in December last year. Zhang, a 55-year-old woman, fled to Thailand in 2014 after her Chinese passport was revoked.
She sought refugee status from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and secured emergency resettlement in Canada. Zhang was arrested in Thailand in May for overstaying her visa and detained at an Immigration Detention Centre. Sheng expressed gratitude to Global Affairs Canada, Chinese and Hong Kong overseas activists for their support.
The Hong Kong law targeting treason, insurrection, sabotage, and other crimes has been criticized for its broad and vague nature.
Written by urgent.news from Hong Kong Free Press's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
