Uighurs in Sweden say they face surveillance, threats from China
People from the minority group say they have been pressed to gather information about other Uighurs living in Sweden and about Uighur organisations.
Swedish Radio has heard recorded phone calls and seen text conversations and e-mails which appear to back up allegations that people who claim to represent the Chinese security service have tried to recruit Uighurs in Sweden as informers – often resorting to threats and extortion.
Daniel Stenling is head of the Swedish Security Service’s counter-espionage division. While he cannot comment on individual cases, he says that the Swedish Security Service takes these allegations seriously.
China’s ambassador to Sweden denies the allegations.
Related stories from around the North:
Canada: Chinese-made equipment in Canada’s Arctic ships under scrutiny, CBC News
Norway: Norway releases Russian man detained over suspicion of espionage, The Independent Barents Observer
Russia: Russia charges former Norwegian border inspector with espionage, The Independent Barents Observer
Sweden: Swedish PM questions Chinese warships in Baltic Sea, Radio Sweden
