Democracy activist Agnes Chow has voiced her concerns about being monitored by the Hong Kong police even while residing in Canada. Three years have passed since Chow’s arrest, yet she has not faced any charges. She emphasized that her decision to move to Canada was entirely voluntary and not due to any legal obligations. According to Chow, the national security law in Hong Kong has been manipulated by authorities to fabricate accusations and intimidate political dissidents. She further revealed that she has been restricted from contacting her friends from Demosisto, a political party she co-founded with fellow activists Nathan Law and Joshua Wong.
Demosisto was dissolved on June 30, 2020, which was the same day the security law was implemented. While Wong is currently in custody facing a subversion charge that carries a potential life imprisonment sentence, Law fled to Britain. The Hong Kong police have offered a reward of 1 million Hong Kong dollars ($127,600) for any information leading to Law’s arrest. Despite being thousands of miles away from her homeland, Chow remains apprehensive about her safety.
Chow highlighted the existence of alleged secret overseas police stations operated by China, reportedly present across North America, Europe, and other countries. China has denied these claims and insists that these stations provide citizen services such as driver’s license renewals. However, Chow expressed gratitude for the freedom she now enjoys in Canada, emphasizing her ability to express herself without fear and focusing on healing her mental health issues.
As Chow continues to navigate life in a foreign land, her concerns about surveillance and her personal safety persist. The activist’s case sheds light on the far-reaching impact of China’s national security law and its implications for individuals who have been involved in pro-democracy movements. Without any charges laid against her, Chow’s experiences raise questions about the motivations behind Hong Kong authorities’ actions and the use of national security as a tool to stifle dissent.
In conclusion, Agnes Chow’s relocation to Canada has not alleviated her fears of being monitored by the Hong Kong police. She believes that the national security law has been misused to target political dissidents and believes that her personal experiences are evidence of this misuse. Chow’s case highlights broader concerns about China’s influence and control beyond its borders, with allegations of secret overseas police stations creating a sense of unease among activists even in foreign countries. As Chow works towards healing and her newfound freedom of expression, her journey serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by pro-democracy activists worldwide.
