MP Detained in Djibouti Following Criticism of Chinese Regime

Tim Loughton, the Conservative MP for East Worthing and Shoreham, faced over seven hours of detention at a Djibouti airport this month.

His visit, intended for just 24 hours including a meeting with the British ambassador, ended abruptly when he was denied entry and scheduled for deportation on April 8, as reported by The Telegraph.

The incident is linked to Loughton’s vocal criticism of human rights abuses in Xinjiang, which previously led to sanctions by Beijing in 2021. Loughton conveyed to The Telegraph that the intimidating nature of his detention was a direct response to his comments on the Chinese regime, suggesting a geopolitical motive behind the actions of the Djibouti authorities.

The UK Foreign Office is currently seeking clarification from Djibouti regarding the circumstances of Loughton’s detention and expulsion. Meanwhile, Loughton has contacted the Djibouti ambassador to express his concerns about what he described as “outrageous” treatment during his attempted diplomatic visit.