By Uyghur Times Staff
Feb. 14, 2025
Idris Hasan, an ethnic Uyghur who spent nearly four years imprisoned in Morocco, was finally released on February 14, 2025, following sustained U.S. diplomatic efforts. Omer Kanat, Executive Director of the Uyghur Human Rights Project (UHRP), shared the news on social media, sparking widespread celebration among the Uyghur diaspora.
Hasan, a 34-year-old computer designer from Korla, Uyghur homeland, had been living in Turkey with his wife and three children since 2012. He was arrested on July 19, 2021, at Casablanca airport while transiting to Western Europe after leaving Turkey, where he no longer felt safe. His detention was based on an Interpol red notice issued at China’s request, which was later canceled. The Chinese government had reportedly pressured Morocco to extradite him as a “terrorist”—a term broadly defined under Chinese law to target Uyghur activists.
On December 15, 2021, Morocco’s Court of Cassation ruled in favor of Hasan’s extradition to China, putting him at grave risk of arbitrary detention and torture. However, on December 20, 2021, the UN Committee against Torture (CAT) issued interim measures urging Morocco not to proceed with his extradition, citing international obligations under Article 3 of the UN Convention against Torture. In August 2021, several UN Special Procedures mandate holders had also reaffirmed the absolute prohibition of refoulement, emphasizing the dire consequences he would face in China.
The Uyghur diaspora, human rights organizations, and advocates have tirelessly campaigned for Hasan’s release, highlighting the case as part of China’s transnational repression of Uyghurs. His freedom marks a rare victory against Beijing’s global efforts to silence Uyghurs abroad.
Despite his release, questions remain about Hasan’s legal status and future safety. Uyghur activists continue to call for international protection and permanent resettlement options to prevent further threats to his security.
