cross-posted from: https://lemmy.sdf.org/post/52014326
Last week, Italian authorities issued expulsion orders for eight Chinese nationals from Schengen territory on national security grounds. According to news reports, three have been deported immediately, while four others had already left the Italian territory. One individual reportedly remains in custody on grounds of a pending asylum application.
The decision comes after years of investigations into relentless surveillance, harassment and threats against prominent Chinese dissident and influencer Teacher Li.
Safeguard Defenders previously published a partial account of the ongoing transnational repression campaign against him. From online smears, doxxing, surveillance and threats against his parents, to mass questioning of his followers across China: much of the campaign is conducted (from) within China’s borders. But not all...
For over three years, physical efforts to locate, intimidate and pressure Teacher Li into giving up his activities and return to China also took place across the Italian territory.
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In response to the decision, Teacher Li states:
Over the past three years, my team and I have steadfastly upheld press freedom, documenting and disseminating social events within China that are censored domestically.
Simultaneously, we have endured prolonged transnational repression by the Chinese government. Myself, my team, and our families have faced persistent and comprehensive harassment, threats, and violations.
We are heartened to see the Italian government take action against China's overseas repression. This represents not only protection for us, but also the defense of fundamental democratic principles and the rule of law.
We sincerely thank the Italian government for all its efforts, and we also thank Safeguard Defenders for their sustained attention, documentation, and support throughout these incidents."
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The expulsion decision marks the first decisive action against the CCP’s ongoing transnational repression operations on Italian soil. In Fall 2022, our global reports on “Chinese overseas police service centers” showed how Italy was a prime target for the CCP’s [Chinese Communist Party's] transnational repression and foreign interference operations – at least in part due to its cooperation with China’s Ministry of Public Security through joint police patrols, readily execution of INTERPOL warrants requested by China and extraditions.
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