Uyghur Congress condemns Thailand's Erawan bombing death sentence

The World Uyghur Congress (WUC) has condemned Thailand's sentencing of two Uyghur men to death over the 2015 Erawan Shrine bombing, arguing that the case was marred by serious fair trial violations and calling for the convictions to be overturned if guilt cannot be proved beyond a reasonable doubt.

In a statement issued after the Bangkok South Criminal Court's verdict on June 11, the Germany-based advocacy group said the trial of Bilal Mohammed and Yusufu Mieraili had been plagued by human rights concerns throughout the nearly 11 years they spent in detention awaiting judgment.

The court found the two men guilty of carrying out the bombing, in one of Thailand's deadliest terrorist attacks, which killed 20 people and injured more than 120 others.

Both defendants have maintained their innocence and say that they will appeal their convictions and sentences.

The WUC said the case was marked by repeated violations of the right to a fair trial, which Thailand is obligated to ensure under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).

It noted that United Nations experts had previously described the men's prolonged detention as arbitrary and highlighted allegations of ill-treatment by Thai authorities during the proceedings.

According to the organisation, part of the trial was conducted in a military court with limited transparency, while the defendants were reportedly denied adequate Uyghur-language interpretation for several years.

The International Commission of Jurists and other human rights groups have also criticised the investigation and trial, citing what they described as “systemic deficiencies” in Thailand's justice system and serious procedural shortcomings.

“This case must be understood against the backdrop of the Chinese government's long-standing persecution of Uyghurs,” WUC President Turgunjan Alawdun said in the statement.

“Beijing has repeatedly used terrorism-related accusations, politicised prosecutions and harsh sentencing to suppress Uyghur voices and justify repression.”

He stressed that strict adherence to due process, fair trial guarantees and independent judicial scrutiny are essential in cases involving Uyghur defendants.

The WUC also linked the verdict to what it referred to as “increasing Chinese pressure on Thailand over Uyghur detainees.”

The group pointed to Thailand's deportation of 40 Uyghur refugees to China in February 2025, despite warnings from international organisations and governments.

It said the men's whereabouts remain unknown and cited the case as an example of the risks faced by Uyghurs returned to China.

While emphasising that those responsible for acts of violence should be held accountable, the WUC reiterated its opposition to the death penalty in all circumstances.

It called on Thai authorities to ensure that the appeal process is conducted transparently and in full accordance with international human rights standards, saying accountability must be pursued in a manner that respects human rights, due process and the rule of law.

The organisation also urged governments, including the United States, Canada, Japan, Australia, the United Kingdom and European Union member states, to press Thailand to guarantee a transparent appeal process that meets international fair trial standards.

The WUC said the convictions should be quashed and the defendants released if their guilt cannot be established beyond a reasonable doubt.

If the convictions are upheld on appeal, it urged Thai authorities not to impose the death penalty.