Thailand: Concerns over the potential extradition of Y Quyhn Bdap
The Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders, a joint initiative by OMCT and FIDH, has submitted an amicus letter to the Bangkok Criminal Court, expressing concerns over the potential extradition of Mr. Y Quynh Bdap, a Montagnard and indigenous human rights defender from Viet Nam. Mr. Bdap, recognized as a refugee by the UNHCR, was arrested in Thailand on June 11, 2024, following an extradition request from Vietnam, where he was convicted in absentia on terrorism charges. This conviction, criticised by UN human rights experts for lacking fair trial guarantees, relates to a June 2023 attack in Vietnam, which Mr. Bdap denies any involvement in.
The letter urges the Court to uphold the principle of non-refoulement, emphasising that Mr. Bdap would face a high risk of torture, enforced disappearance, or other severe human rights violations if extradited to Vietnam. The submission also highlights systemic human rights violations in Vietnam, including the widespread use of torture and impunity, particularly against human rights defenders and minority groups.
The next extradition hearing is scheduled for August 30, 2024, at the Bangkok Criminal Court.