Remaining Uighurs in detention may go to Turkey
China 'has the suspected criminals already and does not want the others'
THE LAST group of 52 Uighur migrants detained in Thailand will likely be going to Turkey because China has already been given those it wants for alleged crimes and violence in its territory. Beijing has got those who are suspected of involvement in crimes in China, so the remaining Uighur migrants are not wanted by China. It seems that the remaining migrants have no criminal record in China so they may go to the country of their choice or Turkey,” a high-ranking security official said yesterday.
The Turkic-speaking Uighurs, an ethnic minority in China’s Xinjiang autonomous region, were found transiting Thailand on their way to Turkey to escape alleged suppression and cultural cleansing in China.
Thailand has already returned 109 Uighurs, mostly men, under heavy guard to China at the request of the Beijing government, which claimed they were criminal suspects.
The move drew harsh condemnation from the international community and human-rights organisations. It also stoked resentment in Turkey, leading to an attack on the honorary Thai Consulate in Istanbul that damaged the building but did not injure anyone.
After the incident, the Thai Embassy in Ankara decided to close its consular service until further notice and warn Thais travelling in the country to avoid identifying themselves.
The Thai side had sent 180 Uighurs, mostly women and children who were identified as Turkish nationals, to Turkey.
Anusit Kunakorn, secretary-general of the National Security Council, flew to Beijing yesterday to observe the living conditions of the Uighur group repatriated from Thailand.
Anusit said he wished to talk with many authorities about the problem.
China has promised that it will take good care of the group, he said.
Anusit’s invitation from the Chinese government was aimed at countering criticism that the Uighurs would face severe punishment, even death.
China has responded that those who were found not guilty would be given land to farm. Anusit will also hold talks with Chinese officials on human-trafficking issues.
