Nineteen Years of Injustice: Demand Freedom for Huseyin Celil

Ottawa, Canada - Today marks 19 years since Canadian citizen and Uyghur human rights activist Huseyin Celil was unjustly extradited to the People’s Republic of China. Mr. Celil arrived in Canada in 2001 with his wife, Kamila Telendibeava and child after fleeing China. In November 2005, Huseyin received Canadian citizenship. The following year, Huseyin and his family travelled to Uzbekistan in March. Chinese law enforcement became aware of Mr. Celil’s visit to Uzbekistan and informed the authorities to kidnap and arrest him. Three months later, he was extradited to China, where he was charged with separatism and terrorism-related activities, with a conviction of separatism in 2006.

 Despite ongoing calls for his release, Mr. Celil remains imprisoned, facing severe human rights violations. The Canadian government must take immediate and decisive action to bring him home and fulfill its duty to protect Canadian citizens abroad. After a deeply flawed trial lacking due process, he was sentenced to life imprisonment. The Chinese government has refused to recognize Mr. Celil's Canadian citizenship, denying him consular access in clear violation of international legal norms.

The legal issues surrounding Mr. Celil's case are stark. He was subjected to a trial lacking transparency, with credible reports of torture and human rights abuses. China’s refusal to acknowledge his Canadian citizenship has further undermined his legal rights, obstructing Canadian officials from providing consular support. Additionally, the absence of due process has left Mr. Celil without legal recourse. Despite repeated diplomatic engagements and public advocacy, the Chinese government has shown no willingness to engage in good faith. Canada’s response to date has also been inadequate. While statements of concern have been issued, tangible diplomatic actions remain insufficient. Furthermore, the Government of Canada’s continued acceptance of the Chinese government's narrative of Mr. Celil’s “dual citizenship” only serves to legitimize his unjust detention.

Huseyin Celil’s case exemplifies China’s transnational repression, where the Chinese government systematically extends its authoritarian reach beyond its borders to silence dissent. Through tactics such as intimidation, surveillance, and arbitrary detention, China continues to target Uyghur-Canadian activists and community members. This pattern of repression is the consequence of the ongoing Uyghur genocide, which endangers the safety and rights of Uyghurs worldwide.

Uyghur Rights Advocacy Project’s Executive Director, Mehmet Tohti, states that “recently, four Canadian nationals were executed in China. Some believe this was a political retaliation for Canada’s tariff decision. Regardless of the reason, this is a loud and urgent alarm that we should listen to. Why are Canadians only paying the price in China? Why are no other foreign nationals facing execution in this mass numbers? China uses Canadians as political hostages. China ignores international norms and targets Canada without fear of consequences.”

Nineteen years of imprisonment is a profound miscarriage of justice, and Mr. Celil must not continue to suffer for his unwavering advocacy of Uyghur human rights. As a matter of legal obligation and moral responsibility, decisive action on behalf of the Government of Canada is imperative. It is no longer sufficient to rely on diplomatic rhetoric—the time has come for concrete measures to secure Mr. Celil’s freedom and uphold the fundamental principles of human rights and the rule of law.

Media Contact:

Mehmet Tohti  

Executive Director, Uyghur Rights Advocacy Project (URAP)  

mehmet@urap.ca  - 613-261- 8512