Germany warns of transnational repression by China, Russia, and Iran

Germany’s domestic intelligence agency, the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV), has identified China, Russia, and Iran as major actors involved in transnational repression. The agency warned that dissidents and individuals fleeing authoritarian regimes may face surveillance, intimidation, and threats even after arriving in Germany.

Targeted groups include Chinese activists, German critics of the Chinese political system, Uyghurs, Tibetans, Falun Gong practitioners, and supporters of democracy movements in Hong Kong and Taiwan. The BfV noted that these activities can escalate to serious threats, including potential kidnapping or assassination attempts.

To combat these threats, the BfV has released a 16-page manual and established a dedicated consultation and reporting hotline for at-risk individuals, including journalists and members of the LGBTQ community. The agency is also seeking to expand the powers of both the BfV and the Federal Intelligence Service (BND) to better address cyberattacks and hybrid threats from foreign powers.