A Chinese dissident who made a daring escape from China on a jet ski has been convicted of illegal entry by a South Korean court on Thursday (23 Nov) but given a suspended jail sentence. According to Lee Dae-seon, a South Korea-based human rights activist with Dialogue China, Kwon fled China due to Beijing’s surveillance of his activities and anticipation of further political persecution. South Korea has faced criticism for its restrictive refugee policies, having accepted fewer than 4,000 asylum seekers in the past 20 years, primarily from Yemen and Syria. The unusual two-and-a-half-year suspended sentence for illegal entry has raised concerns, with experts suggesting it may be politically sensitive, potentially impacting South Korea’s relations with China. Lee Dae-seon, a South Korean human rights activist and friend of Kwon, warned of potential “international condemnation” if South Korea turns away political refugees from China due to its relationship with the Chinese government.

Source: The Guardian November 24, 2023 10:23 UTC