Why are SNP and Police Scotland using Chinese spy cameras?
CHINESE state spy cameras used in the country’s notorious detention camps are also being employed by Scottish police, councils and the government.
There are growing calls to remove the controversial equipment from Scotland’s streets.
As well as paying money to companies complicit in alleged human rights atrocities in China, there are concerns the personal data of people in Scotland may be at risk.
It follows a critical Westminster report last year which said Hikvision should be banned and public bodies should not help foreign firms to ‘profit from abuse’.
But Police Scotland and the Scottish Government have both admitted that such technology continues to be used.
In response to a Freedom of Information request, the Government and 28 of Scotland’s 32 local authorities admitted using Hikvision equipment. The cameras are reportedly used in Chinese detention camps, where there have been horrific allegations of abuse and genocide of Uyghur Muslims.
Free Tibet, which has been investigating the issue, says they are also an integral part of the massive state surveillance operation in the region, constantly monitoring people, even in monasteries.
SNP Justice Secretary Keith Brown said he was ‘consulting’ Police Scotland, which said it was ‘aware’ of concerns raised.
Last July, Tom Tugendhat, chairman of the UK’s Foreign Affairs Committee, said the Chinese Communist Party’s ‘crimes against the Uyghur people stand out as a black moment in a golden history’.
The committee’s report said: ‘The committee recommends that the government forbids surveillance companies like Hikvision – which provide surveillance equipment to the detention camps – from operating in the UK.’
The Scottish Government confirmed police were still using Hikvision cameras in response to a parliamentary question.
Mr Brown said: ‘A number of Police Scotland CCTV cameras will be Hikvision or will contain Hikvision components. The Scottish Government will continue to keep in close touch with developments and act accordingly.’
Last night campaigners warned Hikvision cameras must be removed from Scotland’s streets. Will Hoyles, of Free Tibet, said: ‘There are significant security concerns about Hikvision cameras.’