The human rights group Amnesty International is criticizing the United Nations refugee agency for handing over a group of Burmese asylum seekers to Malaysian immigration officials.

Twenty-eight Burmese Muslims forced their way into the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees office in Kuala Lumpur Friday, seeking refuge from alleged religious persecution in Burma. They were handed over to Malaysian authorities the following day.

In a statement, Amnesty International criticized the action, saying it was done with no apparent regard for the safety of the 28 individuals. Amnesty also urged Malaysian authorities not to deport the asylum seekers, warning that they are certain to face persecution at home.

The group, members of the Rohinga Muslim minority in Burma (Myanmar), traveled to Malaysia illegally through Thailand. Malaysian officials say they are being held at a detention center for immigrants and that their status has not been determined.

Some information for this report provided by AFP and Reuters.

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