Detained Swedish rights activist admits violating Chinese laws

In what his organisation referred to as an “apparent forced confession” Peter Jasper Sahlin, a Swedish human rights advocate docked in China appeared on state television while admitting that he violated Chinese laws.

According to a Chinese state-run news agency, Xinhua, the Swedish rights advocate worked for an illegal organisation that sponsored activities that jeopardised China’s national security.

Read also: Curfew in Tunisia after protesters decry spate of unemployment

“I have caused harm to the Chinese government. I have hurt the feelings of the Chinese people. I apologise sincerely for this. And I’m very sorry that this ever happened,” he said in an interview that aired on state broadcaster CCTV Tuesday evening.

According to information on Dahlin’s website, the Swede works for the Chinese Urgent Action Working Group, which “undertakes rapid response assistance for rights defenders in need” and provides legal aid and training across China.

RipplesNigeria …without borders, without fears

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now