More than four decades after Bulgarian dissident and writer Georgi Markov was assassinated in London, governments and their proxies continue to reach across borders to silence dissenting voices.
Markov’s assassination on 11 September 1978, when he was attacked with a poisoned ricin pellet fired from an umbrella on Waterloo Bridge, remains one of the most notorious examples of a state extending its repression beyond its own territory. His death is a stark reminder that exile does not necessarily mean safety.
Transnational repression (TNR) describes the ways in which governments and their proxies seek to intimidate, surveil, harass, threaten and harm people beyond their borders. Those targeted include human rights defenders, journalists, academics and members of diaspora communities.
In recent years, the threat has taken new and increasingly sophisticated forms. Tactics can range from digital surveillance and intimidation to the misuse of international policing mechanisms, physical violence and targeted killings.
A new project supported by the Swedish Postcode Lottery Foundation, and delivered by Index on Censorship, the Foreign Policy Centre and International Partnership for Human Rights, aims to help strengthen the evidence base on transnational repression, connect organisations and communities working on the issue, and translate research and lived experience into stronger protections and more coordinated policy responses across Europe.
The anniversary of Markov’s assassination provides a timely reminder of why this work matters. While the technologies and tactics used to target people abroad have changed dramatically since 1978, the underlying objective remains familiar: to silence those who challenge repression and defend fundamental rights.
Andreas Eriksson, Secretary General of the Swedish Postcode Lottery Foundation, said:
“No one should have to face threats and harassment for defending human rights. By strengthening support for at-risk human rights defenders and increasing awareness among decision-makers, this project helps promote stronger democracy and freedom of expression in Europe. We are proud to make this important work possible.”
Jessica Ní Mhainín, Head of Policy and Campaigns at Index on Censorship, said:
“Transnational repression thrives when it remains hidden and when those targeted have nowhere to turn. This project aims to help bring the issue into the light and, in so doing, to support those affected and to push for a stronger response to the issue across Europe. Index on Censorship is delighted to be working with the Foreign Policy Centre and International Partnership for Human Rights, with the support of the Swedish Postcode Lottery Foundation, to tackle transnational repression and to support those affected.”
Izzy Cutts, Policy and Parliamentary Affairs Manager at the Foreign Policy Centre, said:
“Protecting human rights defenders and their work from repressive actors is crucial to safeguarding our democracy and values. We welcome the recent progress on acknowledging transnational repression by European Institutions but more needs to be done to support and protect those at risk. We look forward to working with Index on Censorship and the International Partnership for Human Rights on this project and are grateful for the support of the Swedish Postcode Lottery Foundation.”