CFU PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 9, 5:30 PM ET
Sabrina Sohail: sabrina@campaignforuyghurs.org
(650) 703-4523
https://www.campaignforuyghurs.org
Campaign for Uyghurs (CFU) applauds Representative Christoper Smith (R-NJ) and Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) for their bipartisan leadership on human rights issues. Yesterday, they sent a letter to President Biden urging him to raise the cases of Chinese political prisoners and the transnational repression of American citizens during his meeting with Xi Jinping at the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in San Francisco.
The joint letter emphasizes the need for President Biden to demand an immediate end to transnational repression efforts against American citizens and legal residents. It lists the specific cases of Gulshan Abbas, David Lin, Ekpar Asat, Mark Swidan, Wang Yi, Jimmy Lai, Ding Jiaxi, Xu Zhiyong, Lu Siwei, Gao Zhisheng, and Peng Lifa. The letter also highlights concerns regarding the Uyghur community living in the United States, who face fear and intimidation when speaking out about their detained or disappeared relatives in East Turkistan. CFU appreciates the Chairs’ call for President Biden to represent the voice of these Uyghurs and to address the coercive tactics used by the Chinese authorities to silence them.
Executive Director Rushan Abbas said, “The detention of my sister Gulshan Abbas is an ongoing tragedy that highlights the urgent need for international attention and action. I am grateful to Representatives Smith and Merkley for bringing her case to President Biden’s attention and pushing for justice. It is time for the world to unite in advocating for the release of my sister and all those who have been unjustly detained by the Chinese regime. This letter is a crucial step towards ensuring that the voices of the oppressed, facing crimes against humanity and genocide, are not ignored on the international stage.”
Furthermore, CFU expresses strong support for the Transnational Repression Policy Act , introduced by Representative Smith and Senator Merkley, which aims to hold foreign governments and individuals accountable for their actions across borders. This critical legislation ensures that those who stalk, intimidate, or assault individuals across borders, including within the United States, can be held responsible for their transgressions.
CFU urges President Biden to heed the call of these esteemed Congress members and champion the cause of justice by advocating for the release of political prisoners and by condemning transnational repression during his upcoming meeting with Xi Jinping.
