A small collection of nation-states commits most acts of transnational repression, according to a new report by Freedom House.
According to the study, 10 nations accounted for 80% of physical assaults on dissidents over the past decade, with China, Turkey and Russia topping the list. The organization documented 1,219 incidents of violence against political dissidents, carried out by 48 governments.
Freedom House is a nonprofit in the District of Columbia advocating for political freedom and human rights abroad. For four years it has released an annual report on transnational repression, which it defines as “tactics used by governments to stifle dissent among political exiles in other countries.”
Freedom House said the most common form of transnational repression is detention, with the organization recording over 500 cases. Additionally, the group recorded 241 unlawful deportations, which it said came from some nations manipulating host countries into violating their laws.
The report contended that violating nations exploit terrorism and extremism allegations to enforce unlawful detentions and deportations.
“Authoritarian governments prey on the fears of terrorism in host states to legitimize their cross-border intimidation campaigns,” the report reads. “Over 46% of cases since 2014 involve a targeted individual accused of terrorism or extremism. Perpetrators often base terrorism claims on religious grounds and against members of separatist movements.”
According to the data, Muslims are the most affected by acts of transnational repression. The organization found that 64% of the people targeted in incidents were of Muslim origin. Freedom House said the figure reflects the repressive actions of the Turkish and Egyptian governments and the targeted discrimination of Uyghur Muslims by the Chinese government.
Other vulnerable groups include journalists, who the report said were targeted 124 times over the past decade.
“Authoritarian leaders view independent media and whistleblowers, both at home and abroad, as activists who threaten their power,” the report said.
The report recorded 272 incidents of transnational repression in China, 152 in Turkey, 92 in Tajikistan, 86 in Russia, 57 in Egypt, 55 in Cambodia, 53 in Turkmenistan, 47 in Iran, 47 in Uzbekistan and 42 in Belarus the past 10 years.
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