• Mou Mou
• 21 Feb, 2025

A Moroccan court has cancelled the deportation order of Yidiresi Aishan a Uyghur Muslim wanted by China. The court’s decision allows him to go free after being detained in Morocco since 2021.

Court Overturns Deportation Order

Aishan, a father of three in his thirties was arrested in Casablanca in 2021 when he arrived from Turkiye. His arrest was based on an Interpol notice which was later removed. Despite this Morocco had agreed to extradite him to China that same year.

However on Thursday a court in Rabat ruled in his favour and cancelled the deportation order. His lawyer Miloud Kandil, confirmed his release but did not disclose his current location.

Why Was Aishan Wanted by China.?

China accuses Aishan of terrorist activities in 2017 and links him to a so-called terrorist group. However he has denied all allegations.

Human rights organisations and the United Nations had warned that sending him back to China could put his life at risk. Experts feared he could face,

✔ Arbitrary detention

✔ Enforced disappearance

✔ Torture

The UN had urged Morocco to block his extradition, citing serious human rights concerns.

Read More: Riyadh Glows Green for Founding Day Celebrations.

The Bigger Picture: Uyghur Persecution in China

China has faced international criticism for its treatment of Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang. Reports claim that over a million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities have been detained in camps. The United Nations has said these actions could be considered crimes against humanity.

Beijing however denies these accusations, stating that its policies aim to fight extremism and bring economic growth to Xinjiang.

Reports suggest that China has detained many Uyghurs with overseas ties and restricted their travel since the mid-2010s. 

The Moroccan court’s decision to stop Aishan’s deportation is seen as a victory for human rights activists. His case highlights ongoing concerns over China’s treatment of Uyghurs and the international response to extradition requests.