Thai Court Holds Hearing Regarding Uyghurs

The Thai court held a hearing to consider for the first time a petition for the release of 48 Uyghurs.

According to Benar News, a Thai court held a hearing on February 14 regarding the fate of 48 Uyghurs who have been detained in Thailand for over 10 years. While human rights organizations and the East Turkistan community in exile fear the return of these Uyghurs to China, embassy officials from several countries and UN representatives attended the entire hearing. Although the concerned Uyghurs were not present in court, Uyghur lawyer Chutchart Kanpai, activist Bakhtiar Bora, and independent researcher Nirola Alima provided their testimonies.

The human rights organization "Justice For All" reported in early January about the detained Uyghurs, stating that the Thai government was forcing them to fill out forms for their return to China.

The report mentioned that despite the Thai government's denial, concerns for their safety remain. Uyghur lawyer Chutchart Kanpai filed a petition to the court on January 29, requesting the release of these individuals who have been imprisoned for a long time due to their asylum seeking.

The petition noted that the Uyghurs detained in Thailand had not committed any crimes in East Turkistan, had served their sentences for illegal entry into Thailand, and had lived in poor conditions in the detention center for more than 11 years.

On January 21, UN experts urged the Thai government not to deport these Uyghurs, warning of the possibility of torture if they were returned to China.

According to the petitioners' lawyer, if the court finds merit in the petition and witness testimonies, it will order further investigations and summon Thai police officials regarding this case. If the detention is deemed illegal, the court must issue an order to release the detained Uyghurs.

It was revealed that the Thai court will review this case again on February 18.