The Justice Department has been investigating cases of transnational repression, where governments harass dissenters even outside their borders. There has been an alarming rise in cases reported by U.S. officials, with countries like China and Iran being involved in such practices. For instance, a Chinese intelligence operative tried to gather damaging information on a participant in the Tiananmen Square protests who entered a congressional race in New York City. In another case, an Iranian journalist living in exile in the U.S. had Eastern European organized crime gang members plan to kill her in a murder-for-hire scheme directed from Iran. These incidents highlight the extreme measures taken by countries to intimidate and harass political opponents and activists living abroad.
The consequences of geopolitical tensions can have far-reaching effects on ordinary citizens, as governments traditionally intolerant of dissent inside their borders are increasingly keeping a threatening watch on those who speak out from afar. Iran and China have been particularly implicated in using transnational repression tactics, sometimes even resorting to violence to intimidate their opponents. This has raised concerns within the Justice Department, prompting them to build cases against dozens of suspects. The trend is worrying given the deteriorating relationships with Iran and escalating tensions with China over various issues like trade, intellectual property theft, and election interference.
China has denied engaging in transnational repression, but U.S. officials say otherwise. They point to China’s “Operation Fox Hunt,” designed to track down Chinese expatriates and coerce them into returning to face legal charges in China. Even though most defendants charged in such plots are based in their home country, some cases have led to convictions in the U.S. A former city government official in New Jersey received a threatening note from Chinese operatives, indicating their willingness to cross various legal and ethical boundaries to achieve their objectives. Other individuals, like Chinese American Christian pastor Bob Fu, have also endured harassment campaigns orchestrated by China, reflecting the extent of these practices.
The Justice Department has made significant efforts to address transnational repression cases, resulting in arrests and prosecutions of individuals involved in these activities. In one case, Chinese police officers were charged with targeting dissidents in the U.S. through social media, while in another, a secret Chinese police outpost was discovered in Manhattan’s Chinatown. Victims of harassment have included not just political figures but also athletes like American figure skater Alysa Liu and her father. The cases underscore the gravity of the threats faced by individuals targeted by foreign governments for speaking out against human rights abuses or political repression.
Despite the risks, some activists like Iranian journalist Masih Alinejad remain determined to continue their advocacy work. Alinejad was targeted by Iranian proxies planning to kidnap her in 2021, prompting the FBI to intervene and relocate her to ensure her safety. The ordeal has left lasting scars, as she had to leave behind her home and community, which she cherishes. The experiences of those targeted by foreign operatives shed light on the lengths to which authoritarian regimes will go to silence dissent and instill fear, even among ordinary citizens. The efforts of the Justice Department to address these threats are crucial in protecting individuals from transnational repression and upholding their rights to free speech and activism.
