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The consul general of the People’s Republic of China in Calgary has rebuked Premier Jason Kenney for standing up for his friend of almost 25 years, Martin Lee, who is known as the father of democracy in Hong Kong.

Kenney should wear the rebuke like a badge of honour.

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“Shocked to learn that my longtime friend Martin Lee, founder of the Hong Kong Democratic Party, was arrested today together with many of #HongKong’s most prominent citizens,” Kenney said in a tweet on Saturday. “Martin is the elder statesman of Hong Kong democracy. I hope for his immediate release.”

On Tuesday, the consulate responded by tweeting:

“On April 18, the Premier of Alberta commented on Twitter on the lawful arrest of an anti-China rioter by the Hong Kong police.

“No one stays out of the law,” continued the tweet. “Ignoring the facts and openly advocating for the rioters can only undermine the rule of law, which is not in Canada’s own interests. We urge local politicians to abide by the basic norms governing international relations, respect the Hong Kong SAR law enforcement, and immediately stop interfering in China’s internal affairs.”