By empty (4/7/2006 issue of the CACI Analyst)
Huseyin Celil, a naturalized Canadian citizen who has been arrested in Uzbekistan, faces extradition to China, where he could face the death penalty, the \"Toronto Star\" and the \"Globe and Mail\" reported on April 6. A Chinese court sentenced Celil, described by his family as a Chinese-born Uyghur rights activist, to death in absentia for his political activities, the \"Globe and Mail\" reported. Celil, who gained Canadian citizenship several months ago, traveled to Tashkent to meet with his family.
Huseyin Celil, a naturalized Canadian citizen who has been arrested in Uzbekistan, faces extradition to China, where he could face the death penalty, the \"Toronto Star\" and the \"Globe and Mail\" reported on April 6. A Chinese court sentenced Celil, described by his family as a Chinese-born Uyghur rights activist, to death in absentia for his political activities, the \"Globe and Mail\" reported. Celil, who gained Canadian citizenship several months ago, traveled to Tashkent to meet with his family. Uzbek authorities arrested him on a Chinese warrant on March 26. Celil\'s wife, Kamila Celil, told the \"Toronto Star,\" \"He can\'t go to China, because they will arrest [him] and they will kill him.\" Celil said that she does not believe Uzbek assurances that her husband will not be extradited. Canadian officials said that they have offered the family assistance but noted that Canadian privacy laws prevent them from providing details. Canada does not maintain an embassy in Uzbekistan; the country\'s embassy in Moscow is dealing with the matter. (RFE/RL)