Mr Obama cannot fail to see that he of all presidents would face severe punishment at the slightest sign of weakness.

ECONOMIST: Lexington

The group may face severe punishment, spokesman Rupert Colville says.

BBC: UN 'dismayed' over North Korea refugees

All sides are agreed the Uighurs, who seek independence from China for their Turkic Muslim region, cannot be returned to China because they would face severe punishment or death.

CNN: Justice Dept. asks Supreme Court to reject Uighurs' appeal