China’s repression of Uyghurs extends beyond its domestic policies, manifesting in transnational repression through collaboration with host states. This phenomenon has become increasingly evident, particularly in countries where significant Uyghur diasporas reside (Foundation, 2024).

One prominent case is that of Idris Hasan, an Uyghur graphic designer and father of three. Hasan became a target of Chinese authorities due to his interactions with Radio Free Asia, where he provided information about the torture he and his friends endured in China. As a result, he faced continuous police interrogations and, in 2012, fled to Turkey seeking safety. However, while in Turkey, he was arbitrarily detained four times by Turkish authorities in 2021, after discovering his name on a secret Turkish government document listing Uyghurs wanted by China, he fled to Morocco (Kashgarian, 2022). Unfortunately, upon arrival, he was arrested due to a Chinese-issued Red Notice. Although Interpol later canceled the notice, Moroccan authorities continued to detain him until February 2025. Following sustained international advocacy and legal efforts, Hasan was finally released and accepted for resettlement in the United States (Uyghar, 2025).

During Hasan’s imprisonment, various human rights organizations and foreign governments exerted pressure on Morocco to release him, but these efforts were largely unsuccessful. His lawyer later uncovered a document detailing the Common Security Partnership Mechanism (OGİM) between China and Turkey, which outlined provisions for the extradition of Uyghurs, including Hasan, to China. Due to concerns for his safety, this document was not made public while Hasan remained in Morocco.

Hasan’s release after four years of detention marks a significant milestone, but the broader issue of transnational repression persists. In Turkey, where the largest Uyghur diaspora resides, the situation remains dire. Recently, more than 20 Uyghurs have been arrested and detained in Turkey’s extradition centers. Many Uyghurs fear speaking out due to their precarious legal status, as their Chinese passports have expired, and Turkey remains their only viable place of residence. The fear of retaliation from Turkish authorities’ further silences those who might otherwise testify about their experiences.

Despite these challenges, some Uyghurs have come forward to reveal the reality of their detentions in Turkey. This study primarily relies on the secret document provided by Idris Hasan’s lawyer and testimonies from detained Uyghurs in Turkey. Through this analysis, we aim to shed light on China’s transnational repression and its impact on Uyghurs, particularly in Turkey, where many continue to live under the constant threat of arbitrary detention and possible extradition.

Original document in Turkish:

Original document English translation:

Translation PDF document:

Documents sent to the Ankara Embassy of the People’s Republic of China

Bibliography

Foundation, H. R. (2024, 1 15). Beyond Borders: China’s Transnational Repression of Uyghurs. Retrieved from Human Rights Foundation: https://hrf.org/latest/beyond-borders-chinas-transnational-repression-of-uyghurs/

Kashgarian, A. (2022, 1 14). Uyghur Man’s Long Journey to Freedom May End With Return to China. Retrieved from VOA: https://www.voanews.com/a/uyghur-man-s-long-journey-to-freedom-may-end-with-return-to-china/6395787.html

Uyghar. (2025, 2 20). Uyghur freed from captivity in Morocco arrives in United States. Retrieved from RFA-Radio Free Asia: https://www.rfa.org/english/uyghur/2025/02/20/uyghur-rights-activist-idris-hasan-arrives-us/