Australia: Student’s alleged jailing in China over Australian pro-democracy protests sparks calls for inquiry
Australia: Student’s alleged jailing in China over Australian pro-democracy protests sparks calls for inquiry
Student’s alleged jailing in China over Australian pro-democracy protests sparks calls for inquiry
Human rights commissioner says student’s jailing highlights the ‘growing risks of transnational repression’ in Australia
Australia’s human rights commissioner has said the Chinese student who was allegedly jailed for six years by Chinese authorities for joining protests in Sydney underscores the “very real and growing risks of transnational repression affecting people in Australia – including international students”.
Commissioner Lorraine Finlay told Guardian Australia that while she could not comment on the circumstances of individual cases “no one should fear punishment abroad for exercising their lawful rights to free expression and peaceful protest here”.
The University of Sydney student went missing in December 2024 after returning to China and was allegedly charged with secession and sentenced to six years’ jail for joining events including two solidarity protests for China’s ethnic minorities.
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Finlay also called on the Albanese government to introduce a dedicated parliamentary inquiry into transnational repression to understand the scope of the problem.
“[Australia needs the inquiry to] hear directly from those affected and identify concrete steps to better protect human rights on Australian soil,” Finlay said. “Such an inquiry would send a clear message about our commitment to protecting democratic freedoms in Australia.”
Chinese international student activists have also expressed concerns over their safety after the case.
John*, a Chinese student who came to Sydney to study two years ago, told Guardian Australia he was “shocked but not surprised” about the student’s arrest.
“I feel sad for the student,” said John, who asked to use a pseudonym due to safety concerns.
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In China, protest as a form of free speech is often subject to heavy surveillance from authorities, regardless of its nature. John, who had participated in rallies in Sydney, said he had been “mentally prepared” for retribution, even if he described the agenda of the protests he attended as “relatively safe” and not directly critical of China.
“The case had made me a bit more concerned about my safety when participating in protests in Sydney,” he said.
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Emma said she understood it could be difficult for universities to take action if a student was already subjected to foreign repression. “But [universities] may be able to offer more support to those [at risk of repression] to seek asylum in Australia.”
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