Transnational Repression
Supporting those facing persecution abroad
Sometimes persecution by authoritarian regimes does not end even after emigration to a safer country. Activists, journalists and opposition politicians often face transnational repression (TNR) – pressure that the state attempts to exert from a distance.
If your state is persecuting you beyond its borders it violates international law. We provide support to those facing transnational repression.
What constitutes transnational repression?
Methods of persecution abroad can vary, and are often employed in combination:
- Physical and digital surveillance, including outdoor surveillance, hacking into personal accounts, or using spyware to monitor your movements and contacts.
- Abuse of the international warrant systems – for example, using Interpol mechanisms to restrict freedom of movement or attempt extradition.
- Denial of consular services — such as refusing to issue or renew passports, certificates, and other documents.
- Threats against relatives and loved ones remaining in the country.
- Physical violence and provocations: street attacks, damage to property, staged conflicts and fights.
- The use of regime-controlled groups (‘activists’, ‘concerned citizens’ or sports, right-wing and other groups) to intimidate dissidents abroad.
TNR or an ordinary threat: what’s the difference?
Transnational repression is an attempt to use state resources to persecute you beyond its borders. Unlike ordinary crime or personal conflict, here an entire system is working against you. Here are the key signs of TNR:
- Institutional pressure: You are refused a passport at the consulate, Interpol and local immigration authorities are asked to track or extradite you.
- State resources: The persecution follows you across countries and does not stop after you relocate — funded by the state budget and carried out through a wide network of agents.
- The ‘hostage’ method: To silence you, pressure is applied not only to you, but also to your loved ones who have remained in your home country.
- Political motive: The reason for persecution always lies in your activities, views or status, rather than in a personal quarrel or money.
National security services may deliberately hire hitmen to make it appear as though the crime is a routine criminal matter with no political connection. It is hence difficult to prove a link to the state in such cases, but we regard these incidents as part of a systematic campaign of persecution.
How we can help
Our aim is to ensure your physical and legal safety. Here’s what we can do right now:
Legal support
We provide legal assistance in cases involving extradition challenges and removal of data from Interpol databases, and assist with obtaining alternative travel documents and legal status in the country of residence.
Security audit
Our specialists conduct an audit of your digital security status and help minimize the risk of physical detection.
Emergency Relocation
When remaining in a particular country becomes unsafe, we assist with urgent relocation to a secure place.
Psychological Support
We provide free therapy sessions from specialists who are experienced in the specific nature of trauma caused by political persecution and forced migration.
I’ve noticed a threat. What should I do?
If you believe you are being followed or receiving threats, a systematic response is essential:
1. Document evidence and record any instances of pressure: screenshots of threat messages, details of suspicious calls or visits, and discreet photographs of people and vehicles that aroused your suspicion.
2. Do not attempt to make contact or engage in dialogue with representatives of the organisations exerting pressure.
3. Seek professional help. It is important to assess the risks thoughtfully and prepare a defence strategy.
If you recognise your situation in this description, you should not ignore the violations of your rights. We strongly advise you not to face this alone and to seek professional help. In cases like this, human rights and international legal support are of crucial importance. Please contact us via our Telegram bot @equal_postost_bot or by email at [email protected] so we can help you.
Documenting such violations is a vital part of resisting repressive practices: it helps to protect other victims, to understand the systemic nature of the problem, and to ensure that safe states are aware of what is happening within their territories and can develop more effective response protocols.