Country of Origin: Taiwan

Main Focus: Democracy and Independence for Taiwan

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Y-S Columbus Leo 羅益世 is a Taiwanese-Canadian who fervently campaigned for democracy and independence for Taiwan in the late 1980s and 1990s against the dictatorship of the Kuomintang (KMT).

After his family immigrated to Canada in 1974, Columbus learned about social justice and democracy and became active in promoting such values to Taiwan. He broke through the regime’s ‘blacklist’ three times.

The first time, in 1988, Columbus joined the World Federation of Taiwanese Associations’ international convention, the first of its kind held in Taiwan, where he spoke to a rally of 40,000 people. In August 1989, after attending the second such WFTA convention in Taiwan, he and his colleague Dr. Bob Tsai (a Taiwanese-American activist) were tear-gassed and deported.

The third time Columbus broke through was at the end of 1989. However, he was arrested and beaten up before being able to speak at rallies. Columbus was charged with violation of National Security Law and further with Sedition (for advocating Taiwan's Independence).

While in prison, Columbus received significant support from Canada and across the globe. Ultimately he was released and — in a precedent-setting decision — so that “Advocating for Taiwan Independence” is no longer a crime.

Upon his return to Canada, Columbus received a Parliamentary Citation for bravery.