Freedom House Condemns Pakistan, China for Uighur Extraditions

A similar case emerged recently involving a number of Uighurs who had been incarcerated by U.S. forces at Guantanamo Bay. With the release and repatriation of Guantanamo's inmates, the question arose of whether or not the Uighurs should be sent back to China, given that they would undoubtedly be dealt with quite harshly upon their return.

That being said, I lived in Shanghai for five years, and I have quite a few friends who hail from Xinjiang province in China's far west - both Han Chinese and members of minority groups. It's undoubtedly true that the Uighurs are unhappy with their current situation, and are profoundly resentful about their want of sovereign nation state. But as far as I can discern, they certainly aren't an oppressed group. Disadvantaged and subject to frequent discrimination perhaps, but not wilfully or arbitrarily persecuted by the state.

There are Uighurs everywhere in China outside of Xinjiang, where they either work in the catering industry (they have a distinct and marvellous cuisine), or, just as frequently, engage in petty theft and drug dealing. The authorities usually turn a blind eye to these activities, and regular members of law enforcement aren't supposed to touch them. I've heard (although I don't know how true this is) that when Uighur pickpockets are apprehended by the police in cities outside of Xinjiang, they're just sent back home by plane.

I hate to speak ill of another ethnic group, but certain stereotypes hold true, and Uighurs I've spoken to have admitted as much to me openly. I think the high level of criminal activitiy has absolutely nothing to do with Uighur culture itself, but probably stems from their current economic straits, combined with their animosity towards the Chinese government and society.

I've met and interacted with quite a few Uighurs, and found them in general to be quite easy-going, genial human beings.