In a concerning development for human rights advocates, Turkey and Morocco have detained multiple Uyghur activists following what appears to be coordinated diplomatic pressure from China. The arrests signal Beijing's expanding global campaign targeting the diaspora community of the predominantly Muslim ethnic group.
Cross-Border Crackdown Intensifies
According to human rights organisations monitoring the situation, at least four Uyghur activists have been detained in Turkey since August, while Moroccan authorities arrested another individual in September. The detained individuals include academics, businesspeople, and community leaders who had sought refuge from China's crackdown in Xinjiang province.
"This represents a dangerous escalation of China's transnational repression efforts," stated a spokesperson from the World Uyghur Congress. "Even in countries that have traditionally been sympathetic to the Uyghur cause, Beijing is using its economic and diplomatic leverage to silence critics."
Diplomatic Pressure Mounts
The arrests coincide with increased diplomatic engagement between China and both Muslim-majority nations. Turkey, which has historically expressed support for Uyghur rights, has been deepening economic ties with Beijing through its Belt and Road Initiative involvement.
Similarly, Morocco has been strengthening its relationship with China, particularly in trade and infrastructure development. Human rights groups fear that these economic considerations are now overriding previous commitments to protect Uyghur refugees.
Families Left in the Dark
Relatives of those detained report being given limited information about their loved ones' whereabouts or legal status. In some cases, families have been unable to contact the detainees for weeks, raising concerns about their wellbeing and access to legal representation.
One family member, who requested anonymity for fear of reprisals, told The Guardian: "We don't know where he is being held or what charges he faces. We fear he may be extradited to China, where we know what awaits him."
International Response
The situation has drawn criticism from human rights organisations worldwide. Amnesty International has called for the immediate release of all detainees and urged Turkey and Morocco to uphold their international human rights obligations.
Meanwhile, the Chinese government has consistently denied allegations of human rights abuses in Xinjiang, describing its policies as necessary counter-terrorism measures. Beijing maintains that it respects the sovereignty of other nations and does not interfere in their domestic affairs.
As the diplomatic landscape shifts, the plight of Uyghur activists abroad appears increasingly precarious, with traditional safe havens becoming less secure amid China's growing global influence.
