The UK Parliament’s Joint Committee on Human Rights has intensified its focus on transnational repression, revealing alarming threats faced by activists residing in the UK, particularly those targeted by the Iranian regime. During a critical evidence session held on March 11, testimonies from pro-democracy advocates and legal experts underscored the growing dangers posed by foreign intelligence networks operating on British soil.
Among the key witnesses were Chloe Cheung, a pro-democracy activist, and Hossein Abedini, deputy director of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI). Both provided firsthand accounts of the systematic surveillance, intimidation, and threats orchestrated by Iranian intelligence networks and their affiliated organizations within the UK. Abedini highlighted how Iranian-linked ‘cultural centers’ function as covert surveillance hubs, monitoring Iranian dissidents and facilitating repression tactics against them.
Abedini further called on the UK government to take decisive action against the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), identifying it as a central force behind transnational repression. He urged British authorities to formally designate the IRGC as a proscribed organization and implement stronger protective measures for activists targeted by Iranian intelligence operations.
The session also featured testimony from legal experts Rhys Davies and Ben Keith, both of whom have represented clients subjected to politically motivated Interpol Red Notices. These international alerts, intended to identify and track criminals, have been increasingly exploited by authoritarian regimes to silence political dissidents. Davies and Keith warned that the misuse of Interpol’s mechanisms undermines the integrity of global law enforcement and called for greater scrutiny and legal safeguards to prevent such abuses.
Profoundly disturbing evidence of how the long arm of dictatorship reaches into the UK Incredibly courageous witnesses @Chloe_chc_25 & @HoAbedini: @David_Lammy @CatherineWest1 @HFalconerMP @HelenaKennedyKC @alexsobel @thecfhk @hk_watch @ipacglobal @Stand_with_HK @CommonsSpeaker https://t.co/m4PCkYaqzd
— Lord (David) Alton (@DavidAltonHL) March 13, 2025
Lord Alton, Chair of the Home Affairs Committee, expressed deep concern over the testimonies presented, emphasizing the need for urgent government action. “It is deeply concerning to hear about the serious threats faced by activists in the UK from hostile actions by foreign governments. We should be proud of our tradition as a place of sanctuary for those at risk of political persecution, but that is under serious risk,” he stated. “We need to look closely at whether enough is being done to ensure that voices are not being silenced, or worse, that their very safety is at risk.”
The committee is now expected to explore potential legislative and policy responses to enhance protections for targeted dissidents. This includes addressing the misuse of Interpol’s international alerts and considering diplomatic actions against countries implicated in transnational repression. As concerns mount over the UK’s ability to safeguard political activists from foreign threats, the government faces increasing pressure to strengthen legal frameworks and bolster security measures against hostile state actors.
MEK Iran (follow us on Twitter and Facebook), Maryam Rajavi’s on her site, Twitter & Facebook, NCRI (Twitter & Facebook), and People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran – MEK IRAN – YouTu
