The young Asian man who boarded an international flight disguised as an older Caucasian man is scheduled to appear before an Immigration and Refugee Board hearing Monday.
The man, who flew from Hong Kong to Vancouver on an Air Canada flight Oct. 29 wearing a rubber mask to disguise his identity, has been in the custody of the Canada Border Services Agency since he was met by CBSA officers when the plane landed. He is seeking refugee status in Canada.
An internal CBSA alert about the case was leaked last week, complete with photos of the young man both in and out of disguise.
It is still not clear how the man managed to board the plane, though there are reports Monday that he may have used a fake U.S. passport.
The man’s Canadian lawyer says his reason for fleeing isn’t unique.
“He is suggesting he has participated in actions which would be considered legal in Canada but subject to pretty ruthless suppression in China,” Lee Rankin told QMI Agency, declining to go into further details.
Rankin said the fact that the photos of his client were leaked may have put the man at risk if he is made to return to China.
“The [Chinese government] don’t like it when nationals claim asylum and they find out about it,” he said. “If they fail, there is a concern they will be imprisoned. We’re not dealing with Switzerland or Sweden here. Unfortunately someone has decided to make a faux célébrité out of this poor guy.”
A review hearing is scheduled for Monday. Rankin expects his client to remain in custody after his hearing as his identification is confirmed.
The man’s lawyer, Lee Rankin, told QMI Agency Sunday that the leaked photos may have put the man at risk if he is returned to China.
Rankin expects his client will remain in custody after the hearing
Board Plane White, Exit Plane Asian
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