Daily Reports
The Uyghur Institute of Europe Fights Against Transnational Repression
The Uyghur Institute of Europe (IODE) is taking a bold stand against the climate of terror affecting the Sunni Muslim Uyghur people in France. Recent actions have prompted the IODE to file a complaint alleging acts of genocide and moral harassment targeted at Uyghur nationals. Fear is mounting within the Uyghur diaspora due to these escalating incidents, particularly since Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to France.
On May 5, during Xi Jinping's visit, a theatrical demonstration organized by Uyghurs took place at Place de la Madeleine in Paris. According to IODE President Dilnur Reyhan, the event was disrupted by two separate groups, further intensifying the atmosphere of intimidation. One group, comprising young individuals of African origin wearing surgical masks, shouted 'Liars, liars' and displayed signs. Another group, composed of Chinese nationals dressed in black, sang the Chinese anthem and filmed the demonstration.
Gulbahar Haitiwaji, a Uyghur survivor who has lived in France for ten years, witnessed the intimidating acts. A second group held signs with crossed-out images of Uyghur activists Dolkun Isa and Rushan Abbas. For Gulbahar and other survivors like Gulbahar Jalilova, these scenes were reminiscent of horrific experiences in Chinese internment camps, intensifying their fear for their safety in France.
Three days following the May 5 demonstration, the intimidation escalated. A group of Chinese nationals dressed in black appeared outside Gulbahar Jalilova's residence, but fortunately, she was not home at the time. Marine Mazel, political advocacy officer for IODE, revealed that the police confirmed these individuals had ties to the Chinese embassy in Paris.
In light of these threats, IODE's complaint emphasizes the need for urgent protection for Uyghurs in France. The association provided supporting photographs and documents, urging the French government to investigate and counteract the transnational repression imposed by Chinese officials. The objective is to secure the safety and well-being of Uyghur refugees and to prevent further harassment.
The Chinese embassy in France has responded by calling these incidents 'fake news' and 'obvious rigging', but the compelling evidence presented by IODE and the corroborating notes from French security agencies point to a serious issue. Since 2017, over a million Uyghurs or members of other Muslim ethnic groups have been interned in re-education camps in China, under what Beijing describes as 'vocational training centers', but widely condemned for human rights violations.
- The IODE's legal actions highlight a significant concern regarding the safety and protection of Uyghur refugees in France. Dilnur Reyhan, the president of the association, hopes that the radical measures will push the French government to take tangible steps to safeguard Uyghur nationals against Chinese intimidation.
- Many Uyghur survivors in France live in constant fear, with some requiring psychiatric treatment due to the relentless distress caused by Chinese threats and intimidation. The need for secure accommodation and comprehensive protection measures for individuals like Gulbahar Jalilova, whose residence is now known to Chinese agents, is critical.
- The IODE’s efforts represent a broader struggle for human rights and the fight against **genocide** and **transnational repression**. The outcome of this case may set a precedent for the protection of Uyghur communities worldwide and cast a spotlight on China’s ongoing actions against this ethnic group.
