Nuria Zyden, a naturalized Irish citizen and Uyghur activist, has reported receiving calls from Chinese security services pressuring her to cooperate. These calls utilize her mother's wellbeing in Xinjiang as leverage. The Chinese government's campaign against Uyghurs in Xinjiang has been described by the UN as possibly amounting to 'crimes against humanity'.
Contact with Zyden's mother was cut off after the launch of the Irish Uyghur Cultural Association, only to be restored later, seemingly orchestrated by the Chinese authorities. The calls from Chinese police officers included veiled threats, manipulating her concern for her mother's safety.
Zyden's case is part of an ICIJ investigation into China's transnational repression. She believes she was followed to a World Uyghur Congress assembly in Sarajevo. The Chinese embassy in Dublin, while stating they require compliance with Irish law, has labeled the World Uyghur Congress as an 'outright separatist and extremist organization'.
Zyden reports being constantly watched, even in Ireland. She has reported this to An Garda SÃochána, but is not satisfied with the level of protection provided. The article highlights the chilling effect on the Uyghur community in Ireland, where fear of repercussions in China silences many.
The article also mentions the arrest of Dilshat Reshit, a colleague of Zyden's, in Sweden on spying charges, further illustrating the global reach of China's surveillance and intimidation tactics. The case raises concerns about the safety and security of exiled Uyghurs, even in countries with strong human rights records. The situation illustrates the complex challenges faced by countries in addressing China's transnational repression.