Canadian Government Sanctions Eight Chinese Officials for Human Rights Violations

Canada imposed sanctions on eight Chinese officials on Wednesday due to their involvement in serious human rights violations in Tibet and Xinjiang, as well as against Falun Gong practitioners, RFA reported yesterday. The sanctions aim to freeze their assets and prohibit Canadians from providing financial services to them.

Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly expressed deep concern over the ongoing abuses, urging the Chinese government to cease its systematic repression and uphold international human rights obligations. Among those sanctioned is Chen Quanguo, former Communist Party secretary of Xinjiang, recognized for his role in the suppression of Uyghur Muslims.

The sanctions come amid increasing actions by Western governments against individuals involved in human rights abuses. China’s foreign ministry condemned the sanctions as false allegations and interference in its internal affairs. Canadian officials maintain that the sanctions are based on credible evidence of human rights violations. The Uyghur Human Rights Project welcomed Canada’s actions as a step toward accountability for mass repression.

It should be mentioned that the Chinese Communist Party has persecuted Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang for years under pretexts of combating extremism and cultural reforms.