[New policy brief] “The use of transnational repression in the name of security: Implications and concerns”

In a new policy brief for the International Centre for Counter-Terrorism (ICCT), researcher Niki Siampakou (Asser Institute) examines how authoritarian regimes are increasingly engaging in transnational repression – the practice of reaching across borders to silence dissidents abroad. The brief shows how tactics such as digital surveillance and intimidation of families threaten national security of host states, undermine the rule of law, and divide communities, and calls for states and international organisations to take action.

Siampakou writes that states such as Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and China repeatedly engage in transnational repression. This practice has been extensively documented by the non-profit organisation Freedom House, the United Nations, and security services across Europe and North America, with the Netherlands introducing new provisions in the Criminal Code to criminalise related espionage activities.

Targeting dissidents
Authoritarian governments often justify these acts in the name of counterterrorism. According to Freedom House, 53 percent of those targeted are labelled “terrorists” – even when they are activists, journalists, or human rights defenders. The Chinese government has further repeatedly used Interpol Red Notices, an international policing tool, to pursue Uyghur activists abroad. In Canada, Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar - previously labelled a terrorist - was murdered, with the Canadian government later stating it had credible information linking the Indian authorities to his killing.

Community divisions
Beyond the legal and security dimensions, Siampakou stresses the societal impact. Surveillance creates divisions within diaspora communities, as individuals may avoid contact with others or hide their political views for fear of being reported. Uyghurs abroad, for example, have been forced to spy on human rights campaigners under threats to their families back home. In the Netherlands, alleged espionage and tensions within diaspora communities have also led to distrust and negative perceptions among the wider society.

The policy brief concludes with a call for urgent and coordinated action at both national and international levels. Among its recommendations are:

• The adoption of a clear international definition and legal framework on transnational repression;
  
• The establishment of vetting procedures for Interpol Red Notices;
• The creation of monitoring mechanisms to document cases and share information;
  
• Targeted support services for victims, including confidential counselling and legal aid.

Transnational repression has moved from a hidden threat to a major international concern.  Siampakou’s brief calls on states and international organisations to treat the issue with urgency.

Read the full policy brief

About Niki Siampakou

Dr Niki Siampakou is a researcher at T.M.C. Asser Instituut, specialising in international criminal law, counter terrorism, and transitional justice, with a focus on victims’ rights. She has several years of experience in conducting research, providing evidence-based policy advice, counselling (international) institutions on international (criminal) law, international human rights law, and transitional justice Siampakou is part of the Asser Institute research strand 'In the public interest: accountability of the state and the prosecution of crimes'.

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