TRANSNATIONAL REPRESSION LINKED TO IRAN
Risks to UK Residents and Urgent Policy Gaps
Tackling Transnational Repression in the UK
1. Escalating Crisis Inside Iran
Following recent military escalation involving Iran, Israel and the United States, instability has increased. During such periods, the risk of externalised repression and foreign intimidation rises significantly.
Since late December 2025, nationwide protests in Iran have been met with extreme violence and repression.
Credible reporting indicates:
• More than 36,500 killed during the 8 and 9 January massacre [1][2]
• Mass arrests, enforced disappearances and arbitrary detention [3]
• Internet shutdowns and communications blackouts restricting independent reporting [4]
2. Visible Impact in the United Kingdom
Iran linked repression is visible in the UK.
Dissidents, journalists and activists report:
• Threats and surveillance [5]
• Intimidation of family members inside Iran [6][7]
• Digital harassment and targeting[8]
• Disruption and intimidation at peaceful demonstrations in London [9]
Following international human rights advocacy in January 2026, the 21 year old son of UK based Baloch human rights defender Fariba Balouch was abducted, tortured and released with threats in Iran [6][7]. Targeting relatives to silence activists abroad is a recognised tactic of Iranian state repression.
Independent Persian language broadcasters in the UK have also faced threats and intimidation [10].
Public demonstrations in London have included slogans praising Iran’s Supreme Leader and public display of regime imagery [11], highlighting the presence of regime aligned narratives in UK public spaces.
3. Policy Gaps in the UK Response
Despite cross party concern and parliamentary scrutiny, significant protection gaps remain.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has not been proscribed in the UK. Existing sanctions and measures have not provided sufficient deterrence.
Communities report:
• No official Government definition of Transnational Repression
• No dedicated national reporting hotline or specialist pathway
• Inconsistent police response and case management
• Lack of systematic recording of non criminal intimidation
• Weak cross government coordination
• Limited victim safeguarding mechanisms
These gaps allow intimidation to continue below the criminal threshold, creating fear while remaining operationally invisible.
4. Urgent Actions Required
We call on the UK Government to:
Proscribe the IRGC under the Terrorism Act
Adopt a formal Government definition of Transnational Repression
Establish a dedicated national TNR reporting hotline and specialist unit
Mandate systematic recording and monitoring of TNR related incidents
Strengthen coordinated protection across police, FCDO and relevant agencies
Introduce targeted sanctions against individuals responsible for TNR
Develop proactive outreach and safeguarding support for at risk diaspora communities
Transnational repression is a human rights issue and a national security concern for the United Kingdom.
References
[1] Iran International, Over 36,500 killed in Iran's deadliest massacre, 25Jan26
[2] UN experts demand transparency and accountability from Iran following nationwide protests, 20Feb26
[3] Human Rights Watch, Iran: Tsunami of Arbitrary Arrests and Enforced Disappearances, 24 Feb 2026
[4] NetBlocks, Internet disruptions in Iran
[5] The Telegraph: Death threats sent to Iranian dissidents in Britain, 24Jan26
[6]Hengaw: Iran arrests son of Fariba Baloch, 01Feb26
[7]Hannah Neumann MEP X: son of human rights defender Fariba Balouch abducted
[8]The Guardian : UK-based pair behind messaging app accused of giving data to Iranian regime, 29Jan26
[9] Footage Attacks on Iran pro democracy protests_London 01Feb26
[11]The Telegraph, Pro Iran Regime protesters march in london 28Feb26