• Urgent Action

Urgent Action Update: Uyghur Activist’s 30 Relatives Still Detained (China: UA 251.17)

July 15, 2019

Up to 30 relatives of Uyghur human rights activist Rebiya Kadeer, who currently lives in the United States, have been detained for nearly two years in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (Xinjiang) without trial. The exact date that they were taken away remains unclear, however it is presumed they are being arbitrarily detained at a political re-education camp and are at risk of torture or other ill-treatment. Among those detained are Kadeer’s sisters, brothers, sons, grandchildren and extended relatives who have for many years been targeted by the Chinese authorities to try silence Rebiya Kadeer.

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President of the People’s Republic of China, Xi Jinping Zhongnanhai Xichangan’jie Xichengqu, Beijing Shi 100017 People’s Republic of China Fax: +86 10 6238 1025 Email: [email protected]
Ambassador Cui Tiankai Embassy of the People’s Republic of China 3505 International Place NW, Washington DC 20008 Phone: 202 495 2266 I Fax: 202 495 2138 Email: [email protected] Salutation: Dear Ambassador
Dear President Xi, It remains a grave concern that, since 2017, up to 30 relatives of Uyghur human rights defender and former prisoner of conscience, Rebiya Kadeer, are still believed to be arbitrarily detained in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (Xinjiang). Rebiya Kadeer’s son, Ablikim Abdiriyim, is one of those thought to be detained. A former prisoner of conscience, he previously served 12 years in prison where he was repeatedly tortured. It is believed he was sentenced in retaliation to his mother’s human rights advocacy. Among the other family members who are believed to be detained are Kahar Abdiriyim, Kadeer’s eldest son; Ayugul, Kahar’s wife; Aydidar, Kahar’s daughter; Zulpikar, Kahar’s son; Dildar, Kahar’s daughter; Alim Abdiriyim, Kadeer’s youngest son; Xelchem, Kadeer’s sister; Atikem and her son-in-law; Imam, Xelchem’s son; Ahmetjan, Kadeer’s brother; Gheni, Kadeer’s brother. Formerly a member of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, Rebiya Kadeer was detained in 1999, and sentenced to eight years in prison for “stealing state secrets”. Rebiya Kadeer is one of the best-known Uyghur human rights advocates and is a leader at the World Uyghur Congress. I call on you to release Rebiya Kadeer’s family members unconditionally and immediately unless there is sufficient credible and admissible evidence that they have committed an internationally recognized offense and are granted a fair trial in line with international standards; ensure that members of Rebiya Kadeer’s family have regular, unrestricted access to family and lawyers of their choice, and are not subjected to torture and other ill-treatment. Yours sincerely, ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
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