This morning (March 26) the Chinese embassy in the UK released a statement sanctioning nine individuals, including Ms Ghani.
A spokesperson for the embassy said, “The Chinese side decides to sanction the following nine individuals and four entities on the UK side that maliciously spread lies and disinformation.”
The statement said the individuals, along with their immediate family, are prohibited from entering China, Hong Kong and Macau.
Along with this, any property in China will be frozen and Chinese citizens and institutions will be prohibited from doing business with the individuals named.
The statement was published following Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab’s announcement on Monday (March 22) that four Chinese government officials, as well as a Xinjiang security body, will be sanctioned for ‘gross human rights violations.’
Ms Ghani was named due to her calls for the UK Government and businesses to crack down on the use of alleged forced labour in Xinjiang.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has also voiced his support for those who have been sanctioned.
On social media the Prime Minister said, “The MPs and other British citizens sanctioned by China today are performing a vital role shining a light on the gross human rights violations being perpetrated against Uyghur Muslims.
“Freedom to speak out in opposition to abuse is fundamental and I stand firmly with them.”
Ms Ghani said, “I will not be intimidated or silenced.
“To sanction Members of Parliament for doing their jobs is extraordinary. This is a wake up call for all democratic countries and lawmakers that we will not be able to conduct our day to day business without China sanctioning us.
“I will continue to use my freedom to raise the plight of the Uyghur and I will take this sanction as badge of honour.”
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