Czechs say China has shut two ‘police stations’ in Prague

The Czech foreign minister says that China closed two “police stations” in Prague after an international uproar over claims that such centers may have been used to harass dissidents.

Spanish-based organization Safeguard Defenders says China has set up 54 such police facilities around the world, including in Israel.

Critics say they were used to silence Beijing’s political opponents. China says these offer services — such as driver’s license renewals — to nationals abroad.

“Czech diplomacy has repeatedly raised the issue of ‘police stations’ with the Chinese side,” Minister Jan Lipavsky tells AFP.

“I discussed this with the Chinese ambassador this week and he assured me the Czech ones have been closed,” he adds.

Last month, the Netherlands ordered China to close its two “police stations” there, and the Canadian federal police is also investigating similar centers.