Reporters’ Roundtable with USCIRF Commissioners and Rebiya Kadeer, Uighur Muslim Activist

Wednesday, July 15, 2009, 8:30 AM
800 N. Capitol Street, N.W., Suite 790

July 13, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

After being vilified by the Chinese government for causing the Uighur riots in Xanjiang this week, Rebiya Kadeer has emerged as the world's most prominent Uighur, defiantly speaking out against Chinese persecution, harassment, and abuse of Uighur Muslims. Mrs. Kadeer, a soft-spoken mother, spent six years in a Chinese jail before being released. Like the Dalai Lama for Tibetan Buddhists, Mrs. Kadeer has become a major international symbol for those opposed to China's authoritarian rule. She has come to be regarded as the “mother” of the Uighur movement.

The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom has been observing and commenting on the Uighur Muslim situation since 1999. Commissioners made a trip to the region in 2005 and in June 2009, Felice Gaer testified on Capitol Hill in the history of Chinese persecution of Uighurs.

Media availability begins promptly at 8:30. Please leave time to clear security.

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To RSVP, please contact Anu Narasimhan at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or (540) 230-6670.