Two relatives of Canadian Conservative candidate Joe Tay were questioned by national security police in Hong Kong on Thursday, in what advocates say is part of a broader pattern of intimidation targeting families of overseas pro-democracy activists.Tay, 62, a former actor and vocal critic of the Chinese government, ran in the recent federal election in the Don Valley North riding in Toronto. Tay is one of six activists living abroad who are wanted by Hong Kong authorities under the Beijing-imposed national security law. Chinese authorities have offered a HK$1 million ($180,000 CAD) bounty for his arrest, accusing him of “inciting secession” and “collusion with foreign forces.”Local media in Hong Kong reported that Tay’s cousin and the cousin’s wife were taken from their home in Fo Tan to a police station early Thursday..They were questioned about Tay and later released the same day. Hong Kong police have not confirmed the details but say the pair were assisting with an investigation.The move is consistent with other cases in which Hong Kong authorities have questioned or detained relatives of overseas activists, including Anna Kwok Fung-yee and Carmen Lau. Human rights groups say such actions are aimed at silencing dissent through fear and pressure..Tay left Hong Kong in June 2020 and later founded the advocacy group Hongkonger Station in Canada. Tay has been outspoken in calling for international sanctions against Beijing and Hong Kong officials.During his campaign, Tay was the target of an online disinformation campaign that Canadian officials believe was linked to foreign interference from China.Tay has not commented on his family being questioned by Hong Kong police.
