Tim Loughton, a British lawmaker, was deported from Djibouti earlier this month after being detained for more than seven hours. According to reports by BBC, this incident occurred due to his critical views on China‘s human rights practices.
Mr. Loughton, a Conservative MP for East Worthing and Shoreham, had planned a brief 24-hour visit to Djibouti, including a meeting with the British ambassador. However, his trip was cut short when he was denied entry into the country and placed on the next available flight back home. The MP described his ordeal as “very lonely and frightening.”
Djibouti’s actions seem to be influenced by its close ties with China. Mr. Loughton, who was sanctioned by China in 2021, mentioned on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, “Djibouti is effectively a vassal state of China – what China wants, Djibouti kowtows to.” He further noted the cold reception he received upon disclosing his status as an MP.
ALSO READ: Mexico Legislators Rally for Tibet: A Day of Strategy and Solidarity
China has dismissed these accusations as baseless. Meanwhile, the UK Government is seeking more information about this incident. “Whilst the authorities in Djibouti had the right to refuse entry at their own discretion, the UK Government was seeking further information about this specific case,” said a spokesperson for the British prime minister, as reported by the BBC.
Tim Loughton has been an outspoken critic of China‘s policy towards Tibet and its human rights record. He is a co-chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Tibet and introduced the Reciprocal Access Bill to the House of Commons in 2019.
This bill demands that the UK Government take action against Chinese officials who deny access to Tibet. Additionally, he is a key member of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China, an international group aiming to reform how democratic countries deal with China.
Reflecting on the broader implications of his deportation, Mr. Loughton highlighted the “tentacles of the Chinese Communist Government” and its influence in Africa. He expressed concerns over the intimidation faced by many who criticize China‘s human rights abuses but do not have a public platform.
About Post Author
