Sweden: Women Press Freedom Reiterates Concerns Over Swedish Expulsion of Xuefei Chen Axelsson
In April this year, the Chinese journalist was deported after being termed a “serious threat” to Sweden’s national security
Location: SwedenDate: April 8, 2024 | Update: November 21, 2024
Women Press Freedom expresses concern over the claims made against Chinese journalist Xuefei Chen Axelsson after an investigation conducted by a Swedish paper Göteborgs-Posten and program Uppdrag granskning revealed that she was able to issue Swedish identity documents in the form of press cards for more than a decade. Earlier in April, the journalist was deemed a “serious threat” to Sweden’s national security and was deported from the country by authorities. Axelsson was working as a journalist in Sweden for nearly 20 years before being subjected to a lifetime ban to return to the country. The Chinese journalist has vehemently denied the claims of being a security threat. We reject the abuse of the title of journalism for spying. Using the profession as a cover for such activities places actual journalists at risk around the world, damaging trust regarding their work.
It is important that authorities in Sweden are transparent about their investigations on Axelsson’s involvement in any illegal act and share details about why she was expelled. Following the claims made in the investigative reports by the aforementioned media platforms, it is crucial that Axelsson is heard and allowed to share her side of the story rather than being expelled in the form of punishment. The matter warrants clarity from Swedish authorities. We denounce Sweden’s Security Service’s (Säpo) use of journalism as a cover to suppress press freedom. Such acts give legitimacy to authoritarian states to jail journalists, while accusing them of espionage. We demand that all details regarding the Chinese journalist’s case are made public for transparency.
According to Swedish television program SVT Nyheter, the press cards issued by Axelsson, were from Profoca — an association for foreign correspondents which she headed since 2012. A former member of the association Ric Wasserman said: “She initiated the process to have us recognized as an organization authorized to issue press cards.”
The program also mentioned that the Swedish security agency termed Axelsson as the “resource for Chinese intelligence”. Meanwhile, Fredrik Hallström, operational head at Säpo, said he can’t “comment on this specific case or the actions of the individual in question”.
The secrecy surrounding her expulsion in April this year and her prior arrest in October 2023 by Sweden's security services without subsequent detailed explanations contradicted the principles of transparency and due process. Transparency is not merely an administrative nicety but a fundamental cornerstone of democracy and a protector of freedoms, including the freedom of the press. Women Press Freedom had also earlier called for a recommitment to transparency, particularly in matters involving the press. The Swedish authorities should have then and must now disclose the reasons for the journalist's expulsion, provide evidence supporting their decision, and ensure that due process is followed.
Sweden had expelled the Chinese journalist, citing "national security" reasons. The 57-year-old Axelsson was expelled in the first week of April 2024, according to Swedish media reports. Her identity was not disclosed, but it was known that Sweden's security services arrested her in October 2023, and she was banned from returning to the country. The journalist was part of the Swedish community, married to a Swedish citizen, and the couple has children together.
The journalist’s lawyer Leutrim Kadriu, who spoke with Swedish broadcaster SVT, said her client doesn’t pose any threat to Sweden’s national security and questions the secrecy being exercised in the case.
“It is difficult for me to go into exact details given that much is shrouded in secrecy, as this is a national security matter,” the lawyer said.
The reports by Swedish media, published on November 21, mentioned that Axelsson has links to the Chinese Embassy and individuals associated with the government in Beijing, which the Swedish authorities also implied as part of the concern earlier this year following her deportation.
Her expulsion came against the backdrop of historically strained relations between Sweden and China, particularly following a 2018 court decision in Sweden that sentenced a man for espionage on behalf of China.
Women Press Freedom underscores the paramount importance of transparency in the case of Axelsson’s expulsion citing "national security" as a reason. This incident has broader implications for the principles of transparency, accountability, and the right to information — pillars upon which democratic societies stand. Transparency is not merely an administrative good practice; it is a fundamental right that ensures governments are held accountable to their citizens and the international community. The secrecy surrounding the reasons for the expulsion and the evidence (or lack thereof) supporting the decision challenges due process and fairness principles. In democratic systems, accusations, especially those as grave as posing a threat to national security, must be accompanied by transparent procedures and the opportunity for the accused to respond. This ensures that justice is not only done but is seen to be done.
Women Press Freedom calls for a recommitment to transparency, particularly in press and national security matters. We reiterate our stance that the Swedish authorities not use journalism as cover and provide evidence supporting their decision. They must ensure that due process is followed. This would not only address concerns surrounding this specific case but also reinforce Sweden's commitment to democratic values, including transparency, accountability, and the protection of press freedom.
In an era when the press is under increasing scrutiny and challenge, democratic governments must lead by example and demonstrate a commitment to transparency and accountability. Only through such commitment can the trust between the government, its citizens, and the international community be maintained or restored. Transparency is not just a procedural necessity; it is the foundation upon which the legitimacy of democratic actions is built.
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