In a noteworthy development, a Thai court has acknowledged the legitimacy of a petition aimed at securing the release of 43 Uyghurs, who have lingered for over ten years in detention. The court summoned the head of Thailand’s Immigration Bureau for questioning, highlighting growing concerns from human rights groups that these men could face torture if deported back to China. Lawyer Chuchart Kanpai filed a petition on January 29, asserting that the prolonged detention on immigration grounds no longer held merit.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the court has already conducted hearings, concluding that the Immigration Bureau Commissioner must return on March 27 to provide clarity on the detainees’ situation. The 48 Uyghurs under scrutiny, alongside five others imprisoned for attempted escape, are part of a group that fled China, anticipating resettlement but were intercepted in Thailand. Their stories echo the prevalent human rights abuses faced by ethnic Uyghurs in China’s Xinjiang region, where mass detentions have become grimly commonplace.
Recent international reactions to Thailand’s handling of Uyghurs include calls from U.N. experts urging the kingdom against any return of these individuals to China, citing severe torture risks. Chuchart, reflecting on the court’s findings, stated that if the detention is deemed unlawful, immediate release or assurance of their temporary stay could follow, pending resettlement.
Notably absent from proceedings were the Uyghur detainees themselves, raising concerns about their voice in these legal matters. Chalida Tajaroensuk, head of the People’s Empowerment Foundation, expressed cautious optimism but voiced fears regarding potential Chinese influence on the court’s decisions. Achieving safe resettlement in a third country may be the key to a peaceful resolution for these men who seek refuge from potential persecution.
A Thai court has recognised a petition to free 43 detained Uyghurs after a decade in detention, questioning Thailand’s Immigration Bureau about their status. Human rights advocates warn against deportation to China, where the Uyghurs would face grave dangers. Attorneys expect a decision within two months, highlighting political pressures and the need for a safe resettlement option to avoid tensions with China.
The Thai court’s recognition of the Uyghurs’ petition signals a critical juncture in their protracted detention saga. With potential repercussions looming over Thailand’s international relations, especially with China, the coming weeks will be pivotal. As hearings continue, the imperative for safeguarding the human rights of these individuals resonates, with hopes resting on a future free from the threat of deportation and torture.
Original Source: www.rfa.org
