Story perspectives

Turkey Labels Uyghurs Security Threats Amid Policy Shift

12/17/2025

40 4

Summary

Story summary

Turkish authorities assign 'restriction codes' to Uyghurs, labeling them as security threats and risking deportation, despite Turkey's policy not to send Uyghurs back to China.
The shift follows anti-immigrant policies and improving China-Turkey relations, jeopardizing Uyghur safety in Turkey.
Since 2016, Uyghurs and Turkic Muslims in China have faced severe human rights abuses.
An international student in Istanbul, whose father was imprisoned, says Turkey previously supported Uyghurs and helped many gain citizenship.

1 of 1

Story summary

Turkish authorities assign 'restriction codes' to Uyghurs, labeling them as security threats and risking deportation, despite Turkey's policy not to send Uyghurs back to China.
The shift follows anti-immigrant policies and improving China-Turkey relations, jeopardizing Uyghur safety in Turkey.
Since 2016, Uyghurs and Turkic Muslims in China have faced severe human rights abuses.
An international student in Istanbul, whose father was imprisoned, says Turkey previously supported Uyghurs and helped many gain citizenship.