Protest staged in Toronto against China's human rights violations

Around 200 people gathered outside the Chinese Consulate in Toronto as part of a Global Day of Action against the Chinese communist country. The event coincides with the 71st National Day of the People's Republic of China.

Members of the Hong Kong, Tibetan, Vietnamese, Mongolian, Taiwanese, and other communities whose freedom is under ongoing attack from the Chinese communist party were present to denounce the dictatorship.

Gloria Fung, president of the Canada-Hong Kong Link, said "In our struggle for freedom and human rights, we face a common enemy. But our enemy is not China. Our enemy is a brutal regime which has its knee on the neck of all peoples around the world."

China has been under increased criticism for its ongoing human rights violations, such as the dictatorship's treatment of the Uyghur people, who have been imprisoned in "re-education" camps in what is being called an ethnic genocide.

Former Canadian senator Con Di Nino urged "China, be humans!"

One protestor who was holding a sign that stated "End the Uyghur Genocide" said "I'm here for human dignity. I mean, there are crimes against humanity being committed, so I need to be here."

Several protestors demanded the release of Canada's "Two Michaels," Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor, who were imprisoned following allegations of espionage. It is widely believed they were imprisoned as retaliation for Canada's having arrested Huawei's Meng Wanzhou on behalf of the United States, who are accusing her of fraud.

Following backlash, a controversial Chinese flag raising ceremony at the Ontario Legislative Building was canceled earlier this week. The reason given was "COVID-19," although the event was originally justified as promoting "cultural diversity." Toronto mayor John Tory had already opted to boycott a similar ceremony at City Hall.

Amid calls for Canada and the rest of the world to stand up to the CCP, several urged for Canada to implement the Magnitsky sanctions against the Chinese government.

"It is of utmost importance for the Canadian government to convert their words of concern into concrete action," Fung said. "To oppose the infiltration and manipulation and harassment from the Chinese Communist Party. We have to realize it's true nature: the Chinese government is trying to dominate the world."