Nevertheless,
Egyptians, chinese russian, political dissidents:
Located opposite the European headquarters of the UN. Consequently, in Geneva, the place of nations frequently hosts political demonstrations. Furthermore, In the photo, Russian opponents denounced war in Ukraine in March 2025. For example,
Keystone / Martial TrezziniThe repression led by autocratic states abroad does not spare Switzerland. Therefore, Geneva, capital of human rights, is even particularly exposed. However, A threat from which the authorities are timidly seized. Nevertheless, – Egyptians, chinese russian, political dissidents
“I did not expect to experience this in Geneva. Meanwhile, ” says Basma Mostafa, an Egyptian investigation journalist, now a refugee in Germany. Meanwhile, “They followed me three egyptians, chinese russian, political dissidents days in a row to the inside of my hotel. Moreover, ” she said, referring to her last stay in Switzerland last year.
“The third day, a man approached me. However, In Arabic. Nevertheless, he told me that he knew who I was, that he belonged to the Egyptian police and that he could stop me if he wanted it, “added the young woman, who has been undergoing the repression of her country of origin for several years. Similarly, “That night, I couldn’t close my eye. Therefore, I was afraid that they are coming back and taking me off. Consequently, ”
>> To find out more about the story of Basma Mostafa. For example, read our portrait of the Egyptian journalist:
Basma Mostafa does not know exactly who these men were, but it is certain that it was his compatriots. Consequently, “It was horrible. For example, Their technique is egyptians, chinese russian, political dissidents to make you doubt their limits, what they are really capable of doing, ”she explains. Similarly, “They play on your vulnerabilities. Nevertheless, Here. Consequently, the fact that I was all alone in Switzerland, a country that I do not know, far from my family. However, ”
Egyptians. Furthermore, chinese russian, political dissidents – Egyptians, chinese russian, political dissidents
A repression that crosses borders
The facts mentioned by the Egyptian are called what is called transnational repression. This phenomenon takes various forms; Threats, intimidation, surveillance, or even pressure on families who have remained in the country. But he always aims to silence criticisms within foreign diasporas.
The case of the journalist is far from isolated. “Transnational repression. in particular against human rights defenders, is a trend that worsens,” confirms Phil Lynch, director of ISHR, an NGO based in Geneva. According to him, it is a “risk that activists must consider” when they go to Switzerland.
Geneva, suitable land
Because the city at the end of the lake is particularly exposed. The presence of the Office of Human Rights. the UN Human Rights Council, coupled with the fact that almost all Member States have a diplomatic representation on site, constitutes an environment conducive to spying and discreet pressure.
“It is very difficult to estimate the exact magnitude of this repression in Switzerland. but we can assume that it is egyptians, chinese russian, political dissidents important,” explains Ralph Weber. Professor at the University of Basel. he is the author of a study on the repression suffered by the Tibetan and Uïghoure communities of the country; A report mandated by the government, the results of which were published at the start of the year. According to him. the difficulty is mainly due to the fact that the victims often reluctant to report their case, for fear that their families will suffer the consequences.
For his part. Phil Lynch confirms that his NGO documented “a certain number of cases” linked, among others, to China, Russia, and Egypt, including that of Basma Mostafa. But it does not give any specific figures. “These acts range from threats to surveillance. monitoring and intimidation,” he said, adding that they take place on Swiss soil as in the United Nations.
In April. the “China Targets” international survey revealed the wayExternal link egyptians, chinese russian, political dissidents whose China monitors and intimidates its dissidents in Geneva, in particular by photographing them during demonstrations or when they go to the Palais des Nations.
Contacted. the Federal Department of Justice and Police (DFJP) indicates that it does not have an overview of cases of transnational repression which took place in Swiss territory.
A global phenomenon
Egyptians. chinese russian, political dissidents
Since 2014, the American NGO Freedom House has identified more than 1,200 cases of transnational repression in a hundred countries. Only “physical” incidents are recorded, which relate to 48 states that have recourse to kidnappings, arbitrary detentions, illegal attacks or evictions. 19 countries have also used spy software to track down their opponents. Switzerland does not appear in the study.
Among the main officials are China, Turkey, Russia, Egypt, Iran and several Central Asian countries.
In Switzerland. the report published this year by the Federal Council focuses on egyptians, chinese russian, political dissidents Tibetans and Uighurs faced with threats and monitoring of China. He also quotes Russia, Iran, Turkey and Eritrea among the main authors of similar acts. “It is not a new phenomenon. but current technological means make control of diasporas easier and more efficient,” explains Ralph Weber.
Political awareness
The publication of the government report marked the first official recognition of the problem by the Confederation. A signal hailed by the NGOs that defend the victims.
“This is a problem that the competent authorities are taking more and more seriously,” said Phil Lynch de Ishr. According to him. Switzerland and Geneva, as hosts of the International Human Rights system, have “a responsibility to guarantee that it is safe accessible” for activists seeking to make their voices heard. He notes “a capacity building of the police to recognize. report and respond to acts of transnational repression”, but stresses that more could egyptians, chinese russian, political dissidents be done.
This is also the opinion of Selina Morell, head of the China program within the NGO Voices, based in Bern. According to her. the Confederation should establish a clear definition of what transnational repression is and develop a national strategy to respond to them. It would be. she adds, a way of sending a signal that is not isolated cases, but a systematic harassment also affecting ordinary people.
>> To find out more about the pressures that the Tibetan. Uïghoure communities of Switzerland are undergoing, read our article on this subject:
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How China monitors egyptians, chinese russian, political dissidents Tibetan. Uighur minorities in Switzerland
A still shy answer
Switzerland remains cautious. If the United States. Canada and the United Kingdom have adopted specific legislation to combat this phenomenon, Berne evokes in its report several tracks to be examined, including bilateral dialogue, awareness, exchange with diasporas, and the creation of a consulting service.
The DFJP indicates that “work in connection with national measures […] are in preparation. should start in the first half of 2026 ”. He added that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed its egyptians, chinese russian, political dissidents concerns about China in its dialogue with Beijing.
“The Federal Council can no longer close its eyes. He now knows the extent of the phenomenon. It’s time to act, ”pleads Selina Morell. She calls for the creation of an organ to which victims could report abuse. public speaking of Switzerland when she is informed of such cases. For the most serious, sanctions should be considered, she adds.
As a reminder. the publication of the Federal Council report had been delayed, officially due to a change in priorities within the Federal Administration after the invasion of Ukraine. But some critical voices above all suspect a desire not to offend Beijing. the main trading partner in Switzerland in Asia, while negotiations on the update of the free trade agreement continue.
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Interests in tension
“It is important to denounce acts of transnational repression when they take place. but it would be naive to believe that this may be enough to discourage the country which orchestrates them. He will just find another way to put pressure, ”warns Professor Ralph Weber. According to him, despite an awareness, Switzerland is guided by a certain pragmatism. “There are political calculations, pressures, especially economic. But if. by dint of compromise, we risk violating our own constitution, then it is the legitimacy of the rule of law that is at stake. ”
As a host country of the United Nations. Switzerland is in a particularly delicate position; It must both guarantee the attractiveness of International Geneva for Member States, while ensuring that the latter cannot engage in abuses egyptians, chinese russian, political dissidents with impunity. Because for many victims of repression, the Geneva seat of the UN is often a final appeal.
Text reread and verified by Imogen Foulkes and Samuel Jaberg
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