Fighting the cause of China's Uighurs

[UAA/UHRP News Update]

Fighting the cause of China's Uighurs
By Kate McGeown
BBC News

Rebiya Kadeer was once a successful businesswoman in China's Xinjiang province.

But she was imprisoned in 2000 for leaking state secrets, and since her release in March she has been concentrating on a very different goal.

"Since I came out of jail, I have never stopped fighting for the freedom of my people," she told the BBC News website.

Ms Kadeer is a Uighur - a member of an eight million-strong ethnic group which she claims suffers severe repression from the authorities in Beijing.

Now based in the US, she devotes all her time to publicising the plight of the Uighurs - and she is currently touring Europe to bring attention to their cause.

"I believe the Uighur people are the most persecuted people on the planet," Ms Kadeer said.

"In prison, I personally witnessed the torture and persecution of many Uighurs who were totally innocent of the crimes they were said to have committed."

Out of favour

Ms Kadeer herself suffered hardship during her five year imprisonment.

"I wasn't allowed to speak to other inmates, to read or to write," she said. "I wasn't even allowed to hire my own lawyer for my trial."

Once lauded by the Chinese authorities - and even appointed a seat on one of the government's highest consultative bodies - Ms Kadeer fell out of favour when her husband, former political prisoner Sidik Rouzi, fled China for the US in 1996.


CHINA'S UIGHURS
Ethnically Turkic Muslims, mainly in Xinjiang
Made bid for independent state in 1940s
Sporadic violence in Xinjiang since 1991

She was detained in 1999 for endangering national security by sending newspaper clippings to her husband on the treatment of the Uighur community.

She said that even when she was released from jail, she did not feel confident that she was really free.

"The Chinese government rarely let a Uighur prisoner go," she explained.

In fact she did not feel safe until she took her first step onto an aeroplane to take her out of China to the US.

Even though she has now left the country, Ms Kadeer believes the government is continuing to harass her relatives and business employees.

She said police had raided her business and taken away all its records, and were now pressing charges against some of her sons.

"I don't know what will happen. We're waiting to see, but I'm very worried," Ms Kadeer said.

She is also concerned about the plight of Uighurs who flee from China only to be deported back there if their asylum claims are rejected.

During her visit to Europe, she plans to lobby the German government to review the case of 50 asylum seekers.

"My main concern is that if these people are sent back, the Chinese government might imprison them or even execute them," she said.

Terrorist claims

The Uighurs, who are almost all Muslim and look and sound like Turks rather than Han Chinese, enjoyed a brief period of independence in the 1940s, calling their state the Republic of East Turkestan.



Some Uighurs are eager to re-establish an independent Islamic nation, and Xinjiang suffers periodic separatist violence which China is eager to suppress.

Ms Kadeer insists her campaign is peaceful - and that she wants to focus purely on improving human rights rather than the issue of separatism.

But she claims that the Chinese authorities have used the 11 September attacks on the US as an excuse to crack down on the Uighurs, citing the need to quell terrorist activity.

"It's easy for the government to say that Uighurs are terrorists, because they are Muslims," she said. "Many Uighurs have been falsely persecuted for this."

Beijing has named several Uighur groups it accuses of being behind attacks in the region, and it claims that some are also linked to the al-Qaeda network - a fact Ms Kadeer vehemently denies.

"I believe that history will show that they weren't terrorists at all," she said.

Despite the might of the Chinese government, Ms Kadeer is convinced that the international community will back her cause and "bring justice to the Uighur people".

"My people will win," she said.

Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/asia-pacific/4618995.stm

Published: 2005/06/24 21:23:18 GMT

© BBC MMV

[Aries]

"Ms Kadeer insists her campaign is peaceful - and that she wants to focus purely on improving human rights rather than the issue of separatism."

Why only human rights not separatism? That means if chinese government respects the uyghurs' human rights, we don't fight for East Turkistan?
I don't think that is exactly what we want. In an authortarian country like China, the Uyghurs' human rights dosen't come without a power of self-government. Having basic human rights is one thing, posessing the power of decision-making is the another.

[Unregistered]

it sounds like Nuri Turkel. I thought that is exactly what you want..., but you talking in contradiction.

[Unregistered]

Really? But I don't think you understood what I was getting at.

[Erkinuq]

I think we all know what we want. But in order to get what we want, we have to package what we say.
So, what Rabiye is claiming is smart, so is what Nury says. US or Europeans are not so interested in giving Uyghurs a country, plus it is not their business. But we can get some help and attention if we hit hard on human right.
It is same as when all Uyghur groups in the world combined together and emphosized human right and peace for ET, it got more support, and when there is a ET governmenet in exile, there is almost no attention.
It is not that the government is wrong, it is just not the interest of western world. After we Uyghurs are a chess on the borad, many people are playing us. So, we have to be somehow diplomatic in letting people play us as right as possible.
After all, I think most of us know what we want, we all try our best in different way.

[Refugee]

I am not an activist, not a PhD holder, but I am a simple Uyghur who are able use his brain in some degree. My view is as follow:

Uyghurs are not able to enjoy freedom under present Chinese political system and even in a democratic China. It might take for a long time even after China become a democratic country for Uyghurs to obtain freedom and self determination.

Almost all Uyghurs want independence. True freedom can be obtained only by independence or at least through a real autonomy. Everyone knows this principle.

However, we have to start our struggle for freedom and independence by raising attention of the world to Uyghur human rights. This is the most effective start.

As it is the case, Ms. Rabiya Kader as well as Nuri Turkel is right in what they have been doing. I support them completely.

[Erkinuq]

I think so too!

[Unregistered]

I am not saying they are not right. I respect and support both of them. But the ultimate goal of what we are fighting for should be clear and firm. Pure human rights are not enough for our people.

[Refugee]

We need lots of Uyghur activists in all free countries to make Uyghurs known to the governments and peoples.

The one, like me, who are not able to be an activist should support, financially, emotionally and in any other activities, the one who are capable of doing something benifitial.

The activists should go in effective way, like Ms Rabiya Kadir and the UAA. Avoing having organization who are disabled in politics, but only aimed to drink, eat and enjoy.

[Aries]

Yes, we need to let the world understand the Uyghurs, but not always as the oppressed people with no rights, but as the people who struggling for freedom. Do you see the difference?

Sympathy and understanding can not liberate the people, but a strong belief and commitment can.

[UighurEur/Taklamakan]

At least friends, we can see how it is hard to find the best way in struggling for Uighurs, no matter their human rights or independence.

Which is more important, to my opinion, to understand ourselves. To get rid of weakened attitude, attitude of losers and began to recreate ourselves as respected ethnicity.

We need well-educated Uighurs, with strong networking worldwide. We need huge funds to support our culture and language. We need tv channels, available via satellites all over the world.

We need real patriots, who will be able to help their weaker brothers and sisters.

This is not done by means of demostrations, or terrorist attacks (although ET is not a terrorist farm) or whatever violence you might think of. This is not achieved through hate of other people.

Instead, we should be stable, stable in our souls and minds and actions. Create strong image of respected ethnicity.

As an example take the Jewish diaspora, which through milleniums strived through everything, and finally got it. Why? Because they deserved it! WE shoud deserve our freedom!!! Through education, peace and money!!!

After this three factors achieved, the power comes!

Best,
Taklamakan/UighurEurope

[Unregistered]

What is the point of discussing again and again over a very simple and widely known strategy? Cannot we do things without publicizing them? Chinese government knows what we are up to and what we are trying to do. Therefore, stop dancing some other people’s hand drums.

[Aries]

If there is no point of discussing this "simple issue", why don't find another thread that interests you, or just create new one that is more complicated and less known?
Actually you are fooling yourself. It is a chidish notion to think that the chinese government doesn't know anything as long as you keep quiet. Look at some of your own people who shamelessly sold their fellow to the chinese. Go blame them if you really get bored. I am sure you will find some "point" there.

I really hate to be rude, but please do not force me to do so. There have been very valuable opinions which might help us to meditate the right way for uyghur cause. So please do not discourage those people.



What is the point of discussing again and again over a very simple and widely known strategy? Cannot we do things without publicizing them? Chinese government knows what we are up to and what we are trying to do. Therefore, stop dancing some other people’s hand drums.

[UighurEurope]

If there is no point of discussing this "simple issue", why don't find another thread that interests you, or just create new one that is more complicated and less known?
Actually you are fooling yourself. It is a chidish notion to think that the chinese government doesn't know anything as long as you keep quiet. Look at some of your own people who shamelessly sold their fellow to the chinese. Go blame them if you really get bored. I am sure you will find some "point" there.

I really hate to be rude, but please do not force me to do so. There have been very valuable opinions which might help us to meditate the right way for uyghur cause. So please do not discourage those people.

Hi Aries, I hope one day we will finally meet and discuss those issues face-to-face. In my opinion, you are right as much as the other guy.

I think, people are divided on two types, to those who do politics, and those just speak about it. I think while discussing these issues here we should not forget to understake some real actions.

Therefore, all my friends, I urge all of you, please firstly arrange your own lives, and then bother yourself with lives of your compatriots, the times of Gandhi already passed, new rules are on the scene, to be helpful need to be strong, be strong and weak people will find the way to address their problems to you, be sure.

Aries, hope we will continue somehow our personal pen-friendship, though I have changed my e-mail, due to some securities reasons.

Best,
Taklamakan/Uighureurope

[Unregistered]

I was extremely disappointed by the fact that how diminutive Aries’s mind is. “Think twice before you leap” fool, Alice –in- Wonderland. We are dealing with a serious business here. I do not think you are capable of accomplishing any forceful or successful tasks. I mean, with your childish thoughts conspiracy mean nothing to you. If you want to contribute to Uyghurnation, just shot up and mind your own business, do not strive hard to be seen smart, or do not even try to show yourself off as somebody else. I know what I am aiming at. What we have to do is do the job and keep the strategy confidential. Got it? You should know whom you are talking to, son. Understood?

[Aries]

You know what? The Uyghurs have too many ignorant and narrow-minded people like you, that is why the chinese can easily control E.T. and do whatever they want. You don't even have the ability to identify who is your enemy and who is your friend. People bring up different views and discuss them because they really care about the future of their homeland. That is why this forum is for. That is what we called freedom. I know I am wasting my time to talk about freedom here, because you never know what it is. Don't you think you are just like an abondoned old book in a new house? You are attacking the people who do not agree with you in the same way the chinese communists did.
Anyway, I don't care what you said because I know what level you are. I know how to use my brain, not emotion. I will use my own judgement to help my people, not blindly follow others like you.
By the way, do NOT descrate my father with your dirty words! You have to take lessons from him for the rest of your life to become merely a civilized and intelligent human being. :)



I was extremely disappointed by the fact that how diminutive Aries’s mind is. “Think twice before you leap” fool, Alice –in- Wonderland. We are dealing with a serious business here. I do not think you are capable of accomplishing any forceful or successful tasks. I mean, with your childish thoughts conspiracy mean nothing to you. If you want to contribute to Uyghurnation, just shot up and mind your own business, do not strive hard to be seen smart, or do not even try to show yourself off as somebody else. I know what I am aiming at. What we have to do is do the job and keep the strategy confidential. Got it? You should know whom you are talking to, son. Understood?

[Unregistered]

Hi Aries, I hope one day we will finally meet and discuss those issues face-to-face. In my opinion, you are right as much as the other guy.

I think, people are divided on two types, to those who do politics, and those just speak about it. I think while discussing these issues here we should not forget to understake some real actions.

Therefore, all my friends, I urge all of you, please firstly arrange your own lives, and then bother yourself with lives of your compatriots, the times of Gandhi already passed, new rules are on the scene, to be helpful need to be strong, be strong and weak people will find the way to address their problems to you, be sure.

Aries, hope we will continue somehow our personal pen-friendship, though I have changed my e-mail, due to some securities reasons.

Best,
Taklamakan/Uighureurope

Nice to hear from you again. I haven't changed my yahoo email address. So you can contact me anytime you want. I look forward to it.

[Erkinuq]

First of all, we are people who want freedom, not just the oppressed people.
Second of all, from the heart of most of us, at least a little bit, I am sure everyone wants to do something for our nation.
But the reality, when you look into the world politics, there is no free lunch for us. When you show you want freedom, it can be well viewed as making trouble by most people, every government, no matter how democratic it is, it want less problem. Even US, us promotes human right, and promotes Native indians, but if the native Indians are strong enough now to ask for freedom. It will be a different story.
Another espect is, most western countries want to stop the expansion of China, therefore, whatever is against china can well be promoted, and we should make use of this. Therefore, asking human right of Uyghurs becomes an effective way to do so.
Again, for non-politician, they might be only interested in "easy" and nice stuff. So, when it is possible, we should show them our beautiful culture, and food, and art... so that they know Uyghurs are not only those who hate Chinese.
There are many different reason for different individuls, sometimes we do not know what to do, and how to do, so we question others, or just get mad at others. But the bottom line is, we all love our nation and culture, and we should be open and supportive with each other.
It is sad that someone may think this kind of discussion is useless. But think about it, how many of us have to pass our exams, have to think about tomorrow's interview, or take care of the solution in our lab? So, these routine life take our time, and we may even forgot about our original fight for Uyghurs. In this case, this kind of discussions remind us that we have our work to do.
I can understand the doubt of many people, I am one of you anyway. So, it is ok to question each other, or to be "rude", as long as we do not harm each other. At least.
Well, let's go back to daly routine again, and try to be at least a good Uyghur person in our place, so that at least we gave our ID right.

Erkinuq

[Unregistered]

Hey, guys, what email you are talking about? Why I never saw any email? Am I left out, :)

[Unregistered]

Hey Aries; OOOPS!
Even though it sounds little bit cliché to me, let me use this proverb below , which is “action speaks louder then voice.” I do not like people talk too much and take pride of their stupidity.

[Aries]

I never intend to be liked by the person I don't care, though. :) If you are really something as you have been pretending to be, you wouldn't have kept attacking someone with your clumsy languague and foolish ideas. That only shows the lack of intelligence.
Anyway, I am not interested in getting into sterile argument with a paranoid. Live in your box...

[Unregistered]

I dont think you know what foolish means.

[UighurEurope]

I dont think you know what foolish means.

And this is what made us slaves so far through our history. No unity, no mutual respect. No patriotism... Shame on you, Sharkiy Turkestan Batyrla.