Commentary
Unbeknownst to almost everyone, Portugal, in a shocking decision by its Supreme Court, has decided to extradite a woman to China, going against a clear trend in Europe.
After years of setbacks for the Chinese regime in its attempt to expand its global long-arm policing, especially in Europe—a key battleground for China—Portugal offers China a victory. The decision concerns 43-year-old Zhang Haiyan, who has been fighting against being extradited to China ever since she was first detained on an Interpol arrest warrant by Portuguese authorities in the small northern city of Viseu in April 2019.
Zhang, her husband, and their firstborn child came to Portugal in 2018. Soon after, the couple welcomed twins. However, their life was upended not only when Zhang was detained and arrested but when the local court approved to have her extradited to China, as often is the case in Europe and elsewhere.