URAP CommeMorates the 34th anniveRsary of the barin massacre
Today marks the 34th anniversary of the Barin Massacre, a day of somber remembrance for the Uyghur Rights Advocacy Project (URAP). On April 5th, 1990, in East Turkistan, the Chinese government's severe response to a peaceful Uyghur protest led to a tragic and brutal episode, forever imprinting its sorrow on the collective memory of the Uyghur community. We honor the valiant individuals who, in defense of their fundamental freedoms, stood against the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) oppressive regime.
The protesters that day gathered in peaceful opposition to the government's policies targeting Uyghurs in East Turkistan, particularly opposing religious restrictions and the imposition of birth control on Uyghurs. Their demonstration of resistance was met with a grossly disproportionate and violent reaction from the People's Liberation Army (PLA), resulting in the death and injury of numerous Uyghur protesters. In the ensuing events, many faced unjust arrest, disappearance, and severe punishment under a biased and unjust legal system.
Mehmet Tohti, URAP’s Executive Director, reflects, "The Barin Massacre we remember today signifies a grievous chapter in our recent history. It was a heavy-handed military crackdown on peaceful resistance that paved the way for the ongoing genocide we witness today. We honour and remember heroes like Zeydin Yusuf and others who bravely sacrificed their lives for the freedom of Uyghurs in East Turkistan.”
The Barin Massacre is a chilling illustration of the CCP's harsh tactics against the justified demands of its people for dignity and fundamental human rights. This event highlights the considerable sacrifices made by brave individuals, particularly the Uyghur women, who have shown unwavering commitment to their human rights. The massacre brings to light the prolonged abuse of Uyghur women by the CCP, which includes attempts to control birth rates as part of a genocidal agenda. It is a stark reminder that these suppressive tactics predate the CCP's recent “Strike Hard Campaign Against Violent Terrorism.” In memory of those who bravely confronted oppression, URAP calls on the global community to condemn the CCP's actions and demand justice to avert future atrocities. The Barin protest, a reaction against forced abortions and other human rights violations, accentuates the severe infringement of human rights by the CCP.