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The UK Parliament’s Joint Committee on Human Rights has released a recording of its latest evidence session on transnational repression, shedding light on the escalating threats faced by activists residing in the UK. The session, held on March 11, featured testimonies from pro-democracy activist Chloe Cheung and Hossein Abedini, deputy director of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), alongside legal experts specializing in Interpol misuse.
During the hearing, Hossein Abedini highlighted the Iranian regime’s systematic campaign against dissidents abroad. He warned that ‘cultural centers’ linked to Iran serve as covert surveillance hubs, monitoring Iranian dissidents in the UK and facilitating intimidation tactics.
Abedini called on the UK government to take decisive action against the Iranian regime’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which he identified as a key perpetrator of transnational repression. He urged British authorities to formally proscribe the IRGC and strengthen protections for activists targeted by Iranian intelligence operations.
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
In addition to testimonies from activists, the committee heard from barristers Rhys Davies and Ben Keith, both of whom have represented clients targeted by Interpol Red Notices—international alerts meant to identify criminals but frequently abused by authoritarian regimes. They warned that some governments exploit the Interpol system to pursue political dissidents rather than genuine criminals, undermining the credibility of international law enforcement.
The legal experts recommended greater scrutiny of Interpol notices and improved mechanisms for challenging politically motivated alerts to prevent their misuse.
Lord Alton, Chair of the Home Affairs Committee, commended the courage of the witnesses and stressed the urgent need for 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 from those at risk of political persecution, but that is under serious risk.“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 hearing underscores growing concerns about the UK’s ability to safeguard political activists from threats posed by foreign regimes. The committee is now expected to examine potential legislative and policy measures to enhance protections for targeted dissidents, address Interpol’s misuse, and tighten diplomatic actions against countries involved in transnational repression.