The United States has imposed visa sanctions on several Thai officials over the surprise deportation of 40 Uyghurs back to China last month, a rare instance of punishment for countries that have repatriated members of the persecuted Muslim minority despite warnings that they might face torture and long-term imprisonment upon their return.

       The visa restrictions could limit the ability of former and current Thai officials responsible for, or complicit in, the forced return of Uyghurs, to travel to the United States. The State Department did not disclose the officials’ names, citing confidentiality.

       “We are committed to combating China’s efforts to pressure governments to forcibly return Uyghurs and other groups to China, where they are subject to torture and enforced disappearances,” Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a statement on Friday.

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