China seeks arrest of 5 Uyghurs held in Thailand
Thailand says a court will decide whether to extradite the five men, who human rights groups warn face the risk of torture and other serious abuses if returned to China.
Bangkok's Sathorn area houses an immigration detention center, reportedly housing a group of five Uyghurs detained since 2014, according to Thailand's National Security Council chief Chaipruak Doungprapat. China has issued arrest warrants for these individuals, and a Thai court will determine their return to the country. Two of the five Uyghurs were recently pardoned, leading them to remain in Thai detention awaiting the court's decision.
If convicted, Thailand's extradition treaty would dictate their transfer to China. Human rights organizations warn that these Uyghurs risk severe torture and abuse if sent back to China, where Beijing has been accused of detaining over a million Uyghurs and other Muslims since 2017. The Uyghurs' lawyers argue that they do not wish to return to China, fearing execution.
Despite Thailand not being a signatory to the UN Refugee Convention, it is bound by the principle of non-refoulement, which forbids deporting individuals to places where their lives or freedom are endangered.
Written by urgent.news from Free Malaysia Today's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
