Denmark rejects asylum for Chinese activist, risks deportation to China

Liu Dongling, a Chinese dissident, faces deportation from Denmark after her asylum application was rejected in June. She has been an active participant in the 'Ban the Great Firewall' campaign against China's internet censorship since August 2023. Liu's situation highlights the difficulties faced by Chinese activists seeking refuge in Europe, particularly under the Dublin Regulation, which prevents her from applying for asylum in Sweden, where she currently resides without legal status. Despite her history of activism and the risks she faces if returned to China, Danish authorities questioned the credibility of her claims regarding persecution. They cited her previous returns to China as evidence that she could safely return. Human rights advocates argue that Liu's activism, including her work with the China Human Rights Accountability Database, would likely lead to imprisonment if she were deported. Organizations like Safeguard Defenders are advocating for a reassessment of Liu's case, emphasizing the need for Chinese dissidents to prepare thoroughly before seeking asylum. The Danish immigration authorities' rejection of her application raises concerns about the treatment of activists and the responsibilities of European nations in providing refuge. As Liu and her son await the outcome of the reassessment, they live in uncertainty, lacking legal rights in Sweden. The situation underscores the broader challenges faced by asylum seekers in Europe, particularly those from China, as countries tighten their immigration policies and grapple with the implications of deporting dissidents back to oppressive regimes.