Imported criminalisation: the Kurdish diaspora after Sweden and Finland’s accession to NATO

This article introduces the concept of “imported criminalisation” within the broader context of diaspora-related conflicts. “Criminalisation” refers to repressive political measures targeting a group, such as an ethnic minority, through legal means. “Imported criminalisation” occurs when a host country adopts the securitisation and criminalisation standards of the country of origin against a diaspora. By examining the Trilateral Memorandum between Turkey, Sweden, and Finland regarding NATO accession, the article explores its impact on the Kurdish diaspora in the Nordic countries. Imported criminalisation, as a part of conflict transportation and transnational repression, affects the host society by altering legal standards and creating a grey area of discretionary judgement, fostering uncertainty and fear. The article also discusses some of the negative impacts of the Memorandum on Swedish and Finnish societies and their responses, before reviewing the main changes in the Kurdish diaspora’s mobilisation in the two countries.