WRITTEN EVIDENCE SUBMITTED BY ANONYMOUS

(TRUK0056)

A. Definition and understanding

1. Should the Government adopt a formal definition of transnational repression? What should be the key elements of a definition?

the Government should adopt a formal definition of transnational repression because we fled our country due to repression and sought asylum in England for safety and justice. However, if the same dictatorial forces continue to target us here, undermining our security and well-being, then our situation remains unchanged. We would still be living under repression, only in a different location. Despite seeking protection, the government has taken no meaningful action to support us. Raising awareness is crucial, and a fundamental step toward this is providing a formal definition of transnational repression.

2. How does transnational repression impact (a) those targeted and (b) their wider communities?

Transnational repression impacts those targeted and their wider communities in many different ways. One example of this can be seen in the festivals organised by government supporters, which serve as fundraising events for the regime. These gatherings are heavily infused with propaganda, spreading messages that promote hostility. As someone directly targeted by transnational repression, I am deeply affected by the ideology promoted at these events. Despite being Eritrean, the regime manipulates its supporters into believing that individuals like me are from Tigray. Furthermore, much of the advocacy work we engage in is misrepresented as being driven by hatred toward Eritrea itself, rather than opposition to the oppressive government. This not only impacts individuals but also fosters division and fear within the wider community. 

3. Which states are currently understood to be the biggest perpetrators of transnational repression in the UK? What are the main methods employed by such actors in the UK?

In xxxxx, Eritrean government supporters falsely claim that their concerts and festivals are merely sports events with no political affiliation. However, in reality, these gatherings serve to advance the regime’s agenda. During these events, many of my anti-government colleagues have experienced physical abuse at the hands of government supporters. If these individuals continue to support the regime and actively carry out its directives, they should do so in their home country rather than imposing such actions abroad.

B. Government response

4. What steps has the Government taken to address transnational repression in the UK?  What departments have been involved in these steps? How effective is coordination between departments?

The UK government has not taken effective steps to address transnational repression. There has been little visible action or support for communities facing such repression, which suggests a lack of coordinated response across departments. If any action has been taken, it has not been sufficient or visible in its impact. As a result, the coordination between departments appears to be ineffective, leaving those affected by transnational repression without adequate protection or recourse.

5. Several allied countries have taken action in relation to transnational repression in recent years. What could the UK Government learn from other countries’ legislative and policy responses to transnational repression?

The UK should follow the example of its allied nations by taking decisive action to counter the Eritrean regime’s influence and putting an end to its agenda. This includes implementing measures to ban its activities and movements that facilitate transnational repression.

6. To what extent has entry into force of the National Security Act 2023, in particular the new offence of foreign interference and the Foreign Influence Registration scheme, helped to strengthen the UK’s ability to tackle transnational repression?

It seems that there is little evidence that the UK’s current legal framework, including the National Security Act 2023, has significantly impacted the fight against transnational repression. Given the lack of visible progress in addressing these issues, it seems that more comprehensive action, including stronger enforcement and clearer understanding of how these laws apply to transnational repression, is needed to make a meaningful difference.

7. How effective is other UK domestic legislation in preventing instances of transnational repression? What gaps have been identified and how may they be addressed?

The effectiveness of UK domestic legislation in preventing transnational repression appears to be limited. Current legislations have not demonstrated a sufficient response to the needs of individuals facing transnational repression, and there are significant gaps in the legal framework, particularly when it comes to protecting asylum seekers and those at risk of government-backed harassment or violence. These gaps could include insufficient legal recognition of transnational repression as a specific threat, lack of support for affected communities, and failure to prevent targeted individuals from being harassed or threatened abroad. To address these gaps, the UK could introduce clearer policies specifically addressing transnational repression, enhance coordination across departments, and work more closely with international allies to ensure a robust, consistent response.

8. What international legal obligations does the UK have in relation to transnational repression? Are there further steps, including legislative, that the UK should take to give effect to those obligations?

The UK has a legal obligation to comply with international policies designed to protect asylum seekers from transnational repression, particularly as they have sought refuge within the country. To uphold these commitments, the UK should consider implementing further legislative measures to strengthen protections against such threats.

C. Law enforcement and support for victims

9. What issues have been encountered by law enforcement and the Intelligence Community in countering transnational repression within the UK? 

One challenge the UK may have encountered in addressing transnational repression is the misleading narrative propagated by Eritrean government supporters and the regime itself. These messengers have falsely portrayed anti-government activists as non-Eritrean, specifically labelling them as Tigrayan, in an effort to delegitimise their claims. Additionally, they have misrepresented our advocacy as an attempt to create conflict with Eritrea, rather than as a movement against oppression. Such distortions may have hindered law enforcement and intelligence agencies in accurately identifying and addressing the realities of transnational repression.

10. How effective are the police at recognising and dealing with instances of transnational repression? Is a consistent approach offered by different police forces across the UK? 

The police have not been effective in recognising or addressing instances of transnational repression. There appears to be a lack of awareness and understanding of the issue, which has resulted in inconsistent responses across different police forces in the UK. A more coordinated and informed approach is necessary to ensure that cases of transnational repression are properly identified and addressed

11. How effective is the support and security assistance offered to (a) individuals and (b) communities that are the targets of transnational repression? What guidance is provided to victims and how is it tailored depending on the state perpetrating the attack?

The support and security assistance provided were ineffective. Rather than offering protection, the police acted as a barrier for anti-government individuals by preventing us from protesting and raising awareness. Many of us faced repeated arrests, leading to significant hardships such as difficulties obtaining legal documentation, restrictions on employment, and obstacles in applying for citizenship. Additionally, our names were added to criminal records, further complicating our ability to build stable lives. If the police had a clear understanding of our situation, they would support us rather than siding with those responsible for our persecution.

D. International cooperation

12. Are multi-lateral police and judicial cooperation mechanisms, such as Interpol red notices, being misused by perpetrators of transnational repression? What steps can the Government take to prevent these mechanisms being misused against people in the UK?

It is likely that multi-lateral police and judicial cooperation mechanisms, such as Interpol red notices, are being misused by perpetrators of transnational repression. These mechanisms can be exploited by repressive regimes to target individuals like myself who have fled persecution, labelling us as criminals or threats to the state in an attempt to hinder our freedom and continue the repression abroad. For instance, those of us facing transnational repression from the Eritrean regime find ourselves unfairly targeted, even within the UK, as these mechanisms are misused to exert pressure on dissidents like me.

To prevent such misuse, I believe the UK government could implement stricter safeguards within its legal framework, ensuring that red notices and other international arrest requests are thoroughly scrutinised for political motivation. The government should also ensure that any requests for extradition or enforcement of such notices are carefully examined to make sure they do not violate the rights of individuals like myself or put us at risk. Enhanced coordination with international partners to prevent misuse, along with a clearer understanding of the potential for abuse in politically motivated cases, would also be crucial in strengthening protections for those of us in the UK facing such threats. 

13. How is the UK working with other democracies to tackle transnational repression? How can it do better?

Currently, the UK is not effectively addressing transnational repression, as there has been little visible support for our community and those who face such repression on a daily basis. The UK should collaborate more actively with other democratic nations to tackle transnational repression and support efforts for regime change, particularly for those seeking justice in Eritrea. By working together, the UK and its allies can take meaningful action to protect vulnerable individuals and promote accountability.

14. How is the UK’s response to transnational repression affected by its diplomatic relationships with perpetrator states and how does transnational repression factor into the UK’s diplomatic decision-making?

I do not believe that the UK is gaining any significant benefits from its relationship with the Eritrean government. However, it seems that the UK has not taken substantial action to address transnational repression, as our issues appear to be of little concern to them. There seems to be a lack of regard for the suffering and hardships that we are enduring, which has likely influenced the UK's response, resulting in insufficient efforts to stop transnational repression.

(Feb 2025)