The arrests came days after French prosecutors said foreign interference was probably to blame for a spate of provocative acts that had targeted Jewish and Muslim sites in France in recent years, as tensions run high over the war in Gaza. French officials have previously said they were investigating Russia's role in destabilising operations that have stoked social tensions and sown division in France. On Monday, Serbia's interior ministry said the 11 people arrested were Serbian nationals.
The assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar signifies a dangerous escalation in India's campaign against dissent and highlights the threat posed by transnational practices of foreign interference.
The operation against Joe Tay involves a mock 'wanted' poster and coordinated online content targeting his candidacy, expected to intimidate voters and silence dissent.