Student’s alleged jailing in China over Australian pro-democracy protests sparks calls for inquiry

Human rights commissioner says alleged jailing highlights the ‘growing risks of transnational repression’ in Australia

• Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast

Australia’s human rights commissioner has said the Chinese student who was allegedly jailed for six years by Chinese authorities for joining protests in Sydney underscores the “very real and growing risks of transnational repression affecting people in Australia – including international students”.

Commissioner Lorraine Finlay told Guardian Australia that while she couldn’t comment on the circumstances of individual cases, “no one should fear punishment abroad for exercising their lawful rights to free expression and peaceful protest here”.