India scrutiny fuels US push to criminalise foreign repression

A bipartisan group of U.S. senators has introduced new legislation aimed at combating transnational repression, a practice where foreign governments target individuals living abroad. The "Stop Transnational Repression Act of 2026" specifically seeks to make it a federal crime for foreign entities to intimidate or suppress political opponents and activists within the United States.

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The Stop Transnational Repression Act of 2026, sponsored by Democratic Senator Adam Schiff and Republican Senator John Curtis, would make transnational repression a specific federal crime for the first time.

The proposed law, sponsored by Democratic Senator Adam Schiff and Republican Senator John Curtis, responds to growing concerns in Washington about alleged cases of foreign governments engaging in such activities on American soil. The legislation would grant the Justice Department and the FBI expanded authority to investigate and prosecute foreign efforts to silence dissent within the U.S.

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It would expand the Justice Department and FBI’s authority to investigate and prosecute foreign efforts to suppress dissent on American soil.

Under the bill, individuals convicted of transnational repression could face severe penalties, including up to 10 years in prison and fines of up to $100,000, in addition to penalties for any underlying offenses. The legislation also aims to bolster the capabilities of the Justice Department's National Security Division and the Assistant Attorney General in addressing these threats. The introduction of this act comes amid heightened scrutiny of alleged actions involving India, signaling a firm stance by U.S. lawmakers against foreign interference and intimidation tactics.

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Under the proposed legislation, individuals convicted of transnational repression could face an additional prison sentence of up to 10 years and fines of up to $100,000, alongside penalties for any underlying offences.