US Lawmakers Introduce Bill to Stop Transnational Repression, First to Define It as Serious Crime

(Central News Agency reporter Liao Han-yuan, Washington, April 14) Bipartisan U.S. lawmakers introduced the 'Stop Transnational Repression Act' today. The draft bill proposes that individuals involved in transnational repression could face up to 10 years in prison and fines of up to $100,000. This marks the first time the U.S. Congress has legally defined overseas coercion as a serious criminal offense.

Democratic Senator Adam Schiff and Republican Representative John Curtis introduced the bill on April 14, aiming to prohibit foreign governments from conducting transnational repression, coercion, and violence against individuals abroad. This is the first U.S. legislative effort to define such acts as criminal and establish criminal penalties.

According to a press release from Senator Schiff’s office, the bill was introduced following China’s implementation of the 'Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress.' Chinese leaders claim there is legal basis for prosecuting overseas individuals who violate the new ethnic unity law, but this represents a case of state targeting of citizens abroad, raising concerns in the U.S. and other nations.

Schiff stated that rising transnational repression requires strong action. Investigating and prosecuting those who attack dissidents and critics in the U.S. is a bipartisan effort to counter state threats. Reports indicate that the scope of transnational repression is expanding, with countries like China using new and brazen methods to intimidate those who oppose their regimes.

He emphasized that to protect the fundamental rights and freedoms of everyone on U.S. soil, legislation is needed to clarify facts and establish penalties. He urged his congressional colleagues to pass the bill swiftly.

Curtis stated that foreign governments must not threaten or silence people within the U.S., whether it be the Chinese Communist Party, the Iranian regime, or any authoritarian government. Transnational repression is an attack on U.S. sovereignty and freedom. The bill provides law enforcement with stronger tools to hold violators accountable, and the U.S. will not tolerate such abuses.

The 'Stop Transnational Repression Act' would grant the Department of Justice new tools, and those convicted of the new offense could face up to 10 years in prison and fines of up to $100,000 (approximately NT$3 million). (Editor: Chen Cheng-kung) 1150715

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