Relatives plead with Thailand not to deport 48 Uyghur men to China

Detainees fear their return could be imminent despite UN experts urging Bangkok to halt possible transfer

Relatives of Uyghurs detained in Thailand for more than a decade have begged the Thai authorities not to deport the 48 men back to China, after the detainees suggested their return appeared imminent.

A UN panel of experts this week urged Thailand to immediately halt the possible transfer", saying the men were at real risk of torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment if they are returned".