Weekly Brief, 19 July
NEWS
World Uyghur Congress Travels to Bosnia and Herzegovina
From July 8-12, a World Uyghur Congress (WUC) delegation travelled to Bosnia and Herzegovina for a round of advocacy, where they met with parliamentarians, high-level officials, and diplomats and NGOs to discuss the Uyghur genocide. During their visit, the WUC representatives met with the Secretary-General of the Council of Congress of Bosniak Intellectuals and the Advisor to the Deputy Speaker of the House of Peoples of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The WUC delegation further met with the rector of the International University of Sarajevo and local civil society representatives, including Balkan Investigative Reporting Network. Additionally, WUC President Dolkun Isa was interviewed by Face TV, one of the largest television channels in Bosnia, to discuss the Bosnian genocide, the Uyghur genocide, and the importance of international cooperation in addressing these atrocities. Following these meetings, the WUC delegation attended the 29th Commemorative Ceremony of the Srebrenica Genocide. Alongside government officials, diplomats, and politicians, the delegation paid respects to the victims of the 1995 genocide.
Argentinian Federal Court Orders Investigation into Uyghur Genocide Complaint
On July 11, the Argentinian Federal Court of Criminal Cassation reversed a prior decision by the Buenos Aires Court of Appeal, which had supported the Prosecutor’s choice to archive a criminal complaint of genocide and crimes against humanity filed by the World Uyghur Congress, Lawyers for Uyghur Rights, and the Uyghur Human Rights Project. The Cassation Court ordered the Prosecutor to reopen the investigation. The decision not only mandates a formal investigation but also grants victims civil party status, enabling them to present their testimonies in court. The complaint, submitted under Argentina’s universal jurisdiction provisions, includes substantial evidence of crimes such as forced labor, abortion, sterilization, torture, and mass internment. The Court of Cassation’s decision follows the filing on August 16, 2022, of a criminal complaint in Buenos Aires, under the universal jurisdiction provisions set out in Article 118 of the Argentine Constitution, which allow for complaints concerning international crimes to be tried by any court in Argentina, no matter where these offences occur around the world. This marks a significant step in international criminal law, offering a venue for Uyghurs to seek justice that has been obstructed at the international level due to China’s position in the UN Security Council. The case will now proceed through Argentina’s judicial system, with the potential to issue arrest warrants and lead to trial if sufficient evidence is presented.
Commenting on the decision, World Uyghur Congress President Dolkun Isa stated: “This decision is encouraging, and a step closer to accountability for Uyghurs. Perpetrators of atrocity crimes should not be allowed to evade prosecution. We are very pleased about the strong stance that the Court has taken which justifies our decision to bring this case in Argentina, where there is a strong belief in justice for those targeted by repressive regimes.”
Uyghur Entrepreneur Sentenced to Life
On July 12, Radio Free Asia highlighted the case of Ablikim Kurban, a prominent Uyghur entrepreneur who is currently serving a life sentence for alleged extremist ties. Mr. Kurban, who founded Xinjiang Siyadan International Trade Co., was arrested on July 8, 2017. His arrest followed a trip to Egypt where he met Uyghur students studying at Al-Azhar University in Cairo. Chinese authorities cited this visit as evidence of his links to terrorist activities, reflecting the broader crackdown on Uyghurs with connections to other Muslim-majority countries. During Kurban’s visit to Egypt, Chinese authorities ordered Uyghur students abroad to return to East Turkistan for “registration,” with some parents held hostage and students disappearing or jailed, while Egyptian authorities collaborated with China to detain and deport many Uyghur students. His wife, Gulshan Tohti, was also detained shortly after his arrest but released in 2023.
China Uses Ancient Buddhist Site to Justify Its Policies
On July 11, The Economist reported that the ancient Buddhist stupa, located in the desert near Kashgar in East Turkistan, is being excavated by Chinese archaeologists. Built around 1,700 years ago, the stupa and a nearby temple have yielded artefacts such as stone tools, copper coins, and Buddha statue fragments. Chinese officials claim these discoveries demonstrate that East Turkistan has been an integral part of China since ancient times, justifying the Chinese government’s rule over East Turkistan. Experts, however, contest this narrative, arguing that China’s use of these archaeological findings to justify its current policies in East Turkistan is problematic. Historically, the region had minimal Chinese influence from the 8th century until the Qing Dynasty’s conquest in 1759, turning the region into a colony, which was inherited when the Chinese Communist Party came into power in 1949. Rather, sites like Mo’er Temple showcase the globalising effect of the Silk Road, where money, commodities, and religions like Buddhism flowed and mingled. Despite some Uyghur ancestors being Buddhist, East Turkistan’s cultural and political history is distinct from China, especially since most Uyghurs have practised Islam since the 16th century, a history that China now seeks to erase.
The Court of the Citizens of the World Offers Verdict Against Xi Jinping
On July 13, the Court of the Citizens of the World offered a non-binding verdict against Chinese President Xi Jinping regarding acts of aggression in Taiwan, crimes against humanity in Tibet, and genocide against the Uyghurs in East Turkistan. The “people’s court” examined evidence from July 8-11, focusing on China’s actions in Taiwan, Tibet, and East Turkistan, with evidence presented through opening statements, expert testimonies, and victim narratives. Despite attempts to disrupt its proceedings, including fraudulent legal threats and sabotage efforts, the court found evidence-backed instances of severe crimes against humanity, strengthening calls for justice and accountability.
World Uyghur Congress Director of Global Advocacy Meets Taiwanese Ambassador to Discuss Support for Uyghur Rights
On July 17 the World Uyghur Congress (WUC) Director of Global Advocacy, Zumretay Arkin, had a meeting with the Director General of the Taipei Cultural and Economic Delegation in Geneva, Nicole Su. During their discussion, they explored potential collaboration opportunities which aim to advance the Uyghur cause. The meeting highlighted Taiwan’s support and commitment towards Uyghur human rights.
Additionally, Taiwan’s role in advocating human rights issues was underscored. Both parties expressed their dedication to strengthen their efforts and called for international support to address the challenges faced by the Uyghurs in East Turkistan.
PARTICIPATE
Ask Volkswagen to Close its Plant in East Turkistan
Despite growing evidence of the ongoing genocide against the Uyghurs, Volkswagen continues to operate in East Turkistan. The World Uyghur Congress is collecting signatures to demand Volkswagen to close down its plant in Urumqi. Please sign here!
Support Uyghurs’ Genocide & Crimes Against Humanity Case in Argentina
The World Uyghur Congress and the Uyghur Human Rights Project have launched a criminal case in the courts of Argentina in relation to the international crimes of genocide and crimes against humanity being committed against the Uyghur people. Please donate and be a part of this historic case.