Delahunt Holds Hearings On Human Rights Abuses Of Chinese Uighurs

06/04/2009
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, on the 20th Anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre, U.S. Rep. Bill Delahunt announced that his House Foreign Affairs Oversight Subcommittee will hold a series of hearings on the Uighurs, a Turkic Muslim minority that is still oppressed and persecuted in China.  

The panel’s first hearing, which will be held on Wednesday June 10, 9:00AM in the Rayburn House Office Building, Room 2172 will be the first of several that examine the Uighur plight in China and their current status at Guantanamo.

“As we recognize the anniversary of Tiananmen Square and the importance of protecting the human rights of all ethnic minorities, let’s not ignore the plight of the Uighurs and their fight for freedom against Chinese oppression,” said Delahunt.  “Americans understand the Tibetan struggle, but are not yet familiar with the persecution of Uighurs in China, and the circumstances surrounding the apprehension and detention of the Uighurs at Guantanamo.”    

Among those testifying will be Rebiya Kadeer, a Uighur human rights activist who was recognized by President George W. Bush, and will detail her life story and that of her children who are currently detained in China.  Ms. Kadeer is a victim of torture and was imprisoned in China for seven years.  In addition Nury Turkel, a Washington based attorney and Uighur, will discuss Uighur life in China.  The Subcommittee will also hear from Ms. Felice Gaer, Chairwoman of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, and Georgetown University Professor James Millward who will provide a brief overview of Uighur history and cultural background.

DATE:                  June 10, 2009

TIME:                  9:00 AM
 
LOCATION:      2172 Rayburn House Office Building

SUBJECT:           Uighurs:  A History of Persecution

WITNESSES:      Felice Gaer, U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom

 Rebiya Kadeer, President of the World Uyghur Congress

Nury Turkel, Uighur Refugee                             

 Professor James Millward, Georgetown University

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