Fugitive from U.S. Capitol Riot Seeks Asylum in Canada

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Antony Vo, a 32-year-old American man convicted for his involvement in the January 6, 2021, assault on the U.S. Capitol, is seeking political asylum in Canada after absconding from a nine-month prison sentence. Vo had been ordered to report to prison on June 14, 2024, but instead fled to Canada, where he claims he feared for his safety and was subjected to an unfair trial due to his political beliefs.

In his asylum application, Vo described the Capitol riot as a "peaceful protest" that was distorted into a regime-change operation against former President Donald Trump. He expressed hope that Trump, if re-elected, would pardon him and other participants in the riot, whom he refers to as "political prisoners."

Vo's case is part of the broader fallout from the Capitol incident, where over 1,500 individuals have faced charges, and more than 140 police officers sustained injuries during the chaos. Vo's mother, Annie, who fled Vietnam in 1991 and was granted asylum in the U.S., is currently awaiting trial after her arrest in connection with the same events.

Living in Canada, Vo has reported receiving kindness and support from locals and stated he is committed to remaining in the country until it is safe for him to return to the United States.

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