Deportation of Chinese journalist from Sweden, shrouded in secrecy, challenges international norms of transparency and press freedom

Location: Sweden

Date: April 8, 2024 | Updated: November 21, 2024

Women Press Freedom expresses concern over Sweden's expulsion of a Chinese journalist, citing “national security” concerns and the evident lack of transparency surrounding the case. This incident raises significant questions about the respect and protection of press freedom and due process in Sweden, a country typically renowned for its strong democratic values and freedom of expression. The journalist in question, a 57-year-old woman from China who has been a resident of Sweden for over two decades, was expelled without a clear explanation. The secrecy surrounding her expulsion and the prior arrest in October 2023 by Sweden's security services without subsequent detailed explanations contradicts the principles of transparency and due process. Transparency is not merely an administrative nicety but a fundamental cornerstone of democracy and a protector of freedoms, including the freedom of the press. Women Press Freedom calls for a recommitment to transparency, particularly in matters involving the press. The Swedish authorities should disclose the reasons for the journalist's expulsion, provide evidence supporting their decision, and ensure that due process is followed.

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Sweden has expelled a Chinese journalist, citing "national security" reasons. The journalist, a 57-year-old woman from China who has been a resident of Sweden for over two decades, was expelled last week, according to Swedish media reports. Her identity has not been disclosed, but it is known that Sweden's security services arrested her in October 2023, and she is now banned from returning to the country. The journalist has been a part of the Swedish community, married to a Swedish citizen, and the couple has children together.

The journalist’s lawyer Leutrim Kadriu, who spoke with Swedish broadcaster SVT, said her client doesn’t pose any threat to Sweden’s national security and questions the secrecy being exercised in the case.

“It is difficult for me to go into exact details given that much is shrouded in secrecy, as this is a national security matter,” the lawyer said.

The journalist in question had reportedly connections to the Chinese Embassy and individuals associated with the government in Beijing, which the Swedish authorities have implied as part of the concern. However, no concrete evidence has been presented to the public or the press community to substantiate these claims, leading to questions about the fairness and legality of the expulsion.

The expulsion comes against the backdrop of historically strained relations between Sweden and China, particularly following a 2018 court decision in Sweden that sentenced a man for espionage on behalf of China.

Women Press Freedom underscores the paramount importance of transparency in the case of the expulsion of a Chinese journalist from Sweden, cited for "national security" reasons. This incident has broader implications for the principles of transparency, accountability, and the right to information — pillars upon which democratic societies stand. Transparency is not merely an administrative good practice; it is a fundamental right that ensures governments are held accountable to their citizens and the international community. The secrecy surrounding the reasons for the expulsion and the evidence (or lack thereof) supporting the decision challenges due process and fairness principles. In democratic systems, accusations, especially those as grave as posing a threat to national security, must be accompanied by transparent procedures and the opportunity for the accused to respond. This ensures that justice is not only done but is seen to be done.

Women Press Freedom calls for a recommitment to transparency, particularly in press and national security matters. The Swedish authorities should disclose the reasons for the journalist's expulsion, provide evidence supporting their decision, and ensure that due process is followed. This would not only address concerns surrounding this specific case but also reinforce Sweden's commitment to democratic values, including transparency, accountability, and the protection of press freedom. 

In an era when the press is under increasing scrutiny and challenge, democratic governments must lead by example and demonstrate a commitment to transparency and accountability. Only through such commitment can the trust between the government, its citizens, and the international community be maintained or restored. Transparency is not just a procedural necessity; it is the foundation upon which the legitimacy of democratic actions is built.

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