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Why Kenya must not deport Taiwanese nationals to China

Amnesty International has asked Kenyan authorities to stop deportation of five Taiwanese nationals to China where they face a real risk of human rights violations.

Kenya-Police-Vehicle

The Taiwanese nationals were recently acquitted of internet fraud by a judge in Nairobi.

In her ruling, the judge ordered that the five who hold Taiwanese passports be returned to Taiwan.

Amnesty International has however noted that 45 other Taiwanese nationals involved in the same case were draped in black hoods and deported to China upon their acquittal in April, despite expressing fears of human rights violations. They are currently undergoing a second trial in China.

Wu Kun-ta, Chang Tsen, Hsieh Chih-huang, Huang Sin-bao, and Wang Chun-chih, were arrested with 45 others in December 2014, and accused of defrauding internet users in China.

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A large Chinese security contingent was present in court, ready to collect the accused in the event of acquittal.

“The five have been acquitted, so they must be immediately released and allowed their wish to return to Taiwan,” said Victor Odero, Amnesty International’s East Africa Campaigner.

“If deported to China, they could face serious violations of their fair trial rights. There is no doubt Kenya cherishes its relationship with China, but by no means should it sacrifice these individuals’ rights for political expediency, the due process of the law must be respected,” Mr Odero said.

He added: “The right thing to do is to release them and ensure their safe return to Taiwan.”