East Turkistan: A Cry for Justice on National Day of Mourning

As East Turkistan commemorates its National Day of Mourning, the East Turkistan National Movement seeks global action against China's alleged human rights abuses. They call for international recognition and support for independence, and plan a demonstration in Washington D.C. to spotlight Uyghur and Turkic struggles for self-determination.

With December 22 approaching, East Turkistan's National Day of Mourning stands as a poignant reminder of the region's troubled history. The East Turkistan National Movement (ETNM) is rallying the international community to denounce what it describes as China's continued oppression and genocide of Uyghurs, Kazakhs, Kyrgyz, and other Turkic peoples. Commemorating 76 years since the cessation of the independent East Turkistan Republic in 1949, the organization views this anniversary as a pivotal opportunity to advocate for accountability and the pursuit of independence.

The ETNM has amplified its appeal on X, urging global governments, especially the United States, to officially recognize East Turkistan as an occupied territory. They call for the restoration of its status under international law, referencing U.S. Captive Nations Law and various UN General Assembly resolutions as supporting frameworks. To bolster their campaign, ETNM plans to conduct a demonstration on December 21, 2025, at Lafayette Park near the White House. This event will underscore the ongoing fight for Uyghur and Turkic rights, striving to draw global focus ahead of the day's profound significance.

In a contrasting narrative, ETNM highlights China's depiction of Uyghurs as 'the happiest Muslims in the world,' countered by judicial data revealing that 578,500 Uyghurs have faced prison sentences, making up over 33% of the incarcerated population despite their minority status. Human rights reports, along with accounts from journalists and former detainees, depict systemic persecution of Uyghurs in Xinjiang. Detained in 're-education' or vocational centers, many endure physical and psychological abuse, facing measures such as beatings, electric shocks, and ideological indoctrination. This organized call for international attention marks a critical juncture in the quest for justice and autonomy in East Turkistan.

(With inputs from agencies.)