Dec 20, 2007

UNPO Appeals for Release of Political Prisoners


UNPO has appealed to President Hu Jintao of China to immediately release the sons of human rights activist Rebiya Kadeer, as at least one of them is suffering severe physical abuse and is now in a critical condition.

UNPO has appealed to President Hu Jintao of China to immediately release the sons of human rights activist Rebiya Kadeer, as at least one of them is suffering severe physical abuse and is now in a critical condition.

 

Below is a copy of the appeal sent to President Hu Jintao, as well as Chancellor Merkel and Secretary Rice:

 

Your Excellency,

 

The Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization (UNPO) presents its compliments to You and has the honour to communicate the following:

 

UNPO is a democratic, internationally recognised, Membership Organisation, based in The Hague, the Netherlands. Its Members are indigenous peoples, nations and minorities who have joined together to protect their human and cultural rights, preserve their environments, and to find non-violent solutions to conflicts which affect them.

 

UNPO is deeply concerned about the treatment of Ablikim Abdureyim, son of Rebiya Kadeer, who has been sentenced to nine years imprisonment on charges of ‘secessionist activities’.

 

The alarm over the state of Mr. Abdureyim’s health follows reports from his father, who was granted access to his son in prison on 6 December 2007. According to Mr. Abdureyim Tohti, his son looked pale and weak, struggled to stand up, and apparently has developed heart problems, which has caused him to lapse into a coma twice in the last few months.

 

The local police reportedly admitted that the reason for his poor health is his refusal to confess to the ‘crimes’. It is believed that if this torture continues, he may not be able to survive for much longer.

 

Ablikim’s brother, Alim, is also in prison, serving a seven year sentence for tax fraud. Both sentences appear to be an attempt by Chinese authorities to harass and persecute members of the Uyghur community. The victims’ only crime is being associated with Rebiya Kadeer, a prominent Uyghur human rights activist. No evidence against the two brothers has ever been presented and no legal council was offered during their trials.

 

UNPO therefore appeals to You to:

 

- Immediately release the sons of Rebiya Kadeer;

- End the constant harassment of the Uyghur community;

- Ensure that China, as a signature party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, upholds and respects internationally recognised human rights and judicial standards.

 

UNPO hopes that You will give due consideration to the request contained in this communication and avails itself of this opportunity to affirm to the People’s Republic of China the assurance of its highest appreciation.

 

Respectfully,

 

Marino Busdachin

General Secretary - UNPO

 

Rebiya Kadeer

President – World Uyghur Congress