The Subcommittee on International Human Rights met to study the global impact of transnational repression. Witnesses included Dr. Michael Doran, Dr. Ronald J. Deibert, Tzvi Kahn, Landson Chan, Maiwand Rahyab, and Mehmet Tohti.
Dr. Michael Doran testified that the Islamic Republic of Iran, run by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), conducts a sustained campaign of intimidation and coercion on Western soil, using diplomatic immunity, criminal proxies, and hostage-taking to silence diaspora critics. He noted that the regime's tactics create a structural bias in Western discourse by deterring diaspora members from advocating for pressure on Tehran, and that no other state weaponizes diplomatic institutions for terrorism in this way.
Dr. Ronald J. Deibert stated that transnational repression is growing in scope and sophistication due to a poorly regulated mercenary surveillance marketplace, and warned it will expand dramatically because of the authoritarian turn in the United States, the rise of AI, and Canada's "variable geometry" foreign policy. He recommended engaging grassroots communities, implementing export controls on surveillance vendors, regulating AI, and reviewing the safe third country agreement with the U.S., noting that victims often receive little help from law enforcement.
Tzvi Kahn argued that the Islamic Republic's transnational repression is driven by its revolutionary Shiite ideology, which will not end through diplomacy alone, and that Ottawa should support U.S. and Israeli military campaigns against the regime and expel all IRGC agents from Canada. He emphasized that the regime targets dissidents globally, including in Canada, and that recent plots show the U.S. and Canada are united targets.
Landson Chan documented cases of harassment, intimidation, and surveillance targeting the Hong Kong diaspora in Canada, including threats to activists and their family members, and noted that Hong Kong authorities have issued bounties on overseas activists. He recommended expediting the foreign influence transparency registry, establishing a formal reporting mechanism for victims, and pursuing targeted sanctions against foreign actors responsible for transnational repression.
Maiwand Rahyab testified that exiled activists in Canada continue to face online harassment, surveillance, and coercion through family members abroad, leading to self-censorship and narrowed civic participation. He recommended Canada adopt a "civic refuge" approach that protects individuals from transnational repression and enables exiled civic actors to remain active through networks, mentorship, and pathways to public life, arguing that restoring agency is a strategic investment in democratic resilience.
Mehmet Tohti highlighted the case of Huseyin Celil, a Canadian citizen abducted in Uzbekistan 20 years ago and handed to Chinese authorities, who has been denied consular access and communication with his family. He called for immediate consular access, high-level diplomatic intervention, a phone call between Celil and his family, renewed efforts to secure his release, and stronger protection for Uyghur Canadians, adding that Canada has failed to implement the M-62 program to resettle 10,000 Uyghurs.
During member questions, witnesses elaborated on topics including the convergence of Iranian, Chinese, and Russian propaganda; the role of commercial spyware and AI in digital repression; the chilling effect on diaspora communities; and concerns about Canada's diplomatic and trade thaw with China. Dr. Deibert noted that Rwanda is a major perpetrator of transnational repression and that the U.S. is becoming a risk, while Mr. Tohti urged the government to call the families of Huseyin Celil and Jimmy Lai and to study forced labour in electric vehicle supply chains. No procedural debate, motions, or votes occurred during the meeting.
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