(Editors’s note: During Interpol’s 92nd General Assembly, China Watch, Sino Euro Voices e.V., and China Democracy Party UK Headquarters organized a conference on November 5. in Glasgow together to discuss the problems and the future of Interpol. Below is the speech of Johnny Fok.)
Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed colleagues, and fellow defenders of democracy,
My name is Johnny Fok, fok ka chi, one of the persons in hk Red notice being issued against me for me advocating hk independence
Thank you for gathering here today in Glasgow for this vital conference. We stand united not only to address the alarming misuse of Interpol by authoritarian regimes, but also to shine a light on the injustices faced by political dissidents around the world—particularly those targeted by the Chinese government.
Interpol, the International Criminal Police Organization, was supposed to be founded to foster international cooperation in the fight against crime. Its red notice system was originally intended to be a tool for legitimate law enforcement. However, we have witnessed its transformation into a weapon for CCP political repression, particularly by regimes that seek to silence dissent.
The Chinese government has taken full advantage of this system, using red notices to pursue and persecute political dissidents—individuals who dare to speak out against the regime, advocate for human rights, or simply express their beliefs. These abuses have far-reaching consequences, not only for those targeted but for the integrity of international law itself.
Let me share the stories of those who have faced the devastating impact of these actions. From artists and journalists to activists, countless lives have been disrupted or destroyed due to political motivations masquerading as law enforcement.
Me, myself, as well as Choi Ming Da, 袁弓夷Elmer Yuen, a bounty have been put in on us by the HK government because we advocate the HK parliament, democracy for Hong Kong. We are all the victims for such unchecked system
This is a gross violation of human rights that demands our urgent attention and actions.
[Action to be taken ]
Today, we must not only raise our voices in protest but also take action. We must advocate for significant reforms within Interpol to safeguard against the political misuse of red notices. We must ensure that Interpol remains a platform for justice, not a tool for oppression.
Moreover, we must actively support democratic nations and organizations that embody the principles of freedom and justice. Taiwan is a prime example of a democracy that has consistently championed human rights and stood against dictatorship. It is important that we advocate for Taiwan, and similar organizations, to join Interpol. Their inclusion would not only strengthen the global stance on human rights but also serve as a warning against China’s attempts to abuse the system for its own gain.
Additionally, we must encourage our fellow democracy supporters within China to be united.
As a reference, we have been advocating the setting up of HK parliament and we are still preparing the election of such parliament. We further suggest that such strategy can be adopted in the democratic movement in China. a shadow government or union/federation that represents the voices of the Chinese people. Such an initiative would lay the groundwork for a future where the ideals of democracy and human rights can flourish, ultimately seeking to replace the current CCP regime with a government that truly reflects the will of its citizens.
This shadow government would not only offer hope to those within China but would also send a clear message to the world that the fight for freedom is alive and well. It is also a strategy, if there is a united front, united shadow government readily to take over the CCP, people in China will have more hope and be more ready to stand up in the right time.
Let us rally together, urging our alliance , western governments and international bodies to recognize the legitimacy of these democratic representatives and to support those who dare to dream of a better future for China and the world.