Thailand Allows Detained Uyghurs to Challenge Chinese Extradition

Thailand will let five Uyghur men legally challenge their extradition to China.

Thailand announced that five detained Uyghur men can legally challenge a Chinese extradition request in court before authorities decide on deportation. Human rights advocates warn that returning the men to China exposes them to severe risks of torture. The individuals are part of a larger group that fled China and was detained in Thailand over a decade ago.

• The backgroundThe five individuals are part of a larger cohort of more than 300 Uyghurs who fled China and were detained by Thai authorities in 2014.
• The warningHuman rights organizations have strongly cautioned that sending the men back would subject them to a significant risk of torture.
• The appealTwo of the detained men recently shared letters pleading with authorities not to return them to China.