A new report warns that authoritarian regimes—particularly China, Russia, and Iran—are becoming increasingly bold in their efforts to silence dissidents living in the UK. It urges the British government to take stronger action against what is called “transnational repression.”
One striking case is that of Chloe Cheung, a pro-democracy activist from Hong Kong now living in exile in Britain. Months ago, Hong Kong authorities issued a HK$1 million bounty for her capture due to her activism.
“I’ve been harassed online and even in person,” says Cheung. “Two Chinese men followed me shortly after the bounty was announced.”
She fears being kidnapped and forcibly taken into the Chinese embassy in London. “I’m extremely cautious about who I meet. I always wonder if they’re spies. I have to look over my shoulder constantly,” she adds.