Uyghur Congress Faces Unprecedented Harassment Ahead of General Assembly in Sarajevo

The World Uyghur Congress (WUC) is set to commence its eighth general assembly in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, amid unprecedented harassment from the Chinese government, VOA reported yesterday.

WUC spokesperson Zumretay Arkin reported threats of physical harm, arrest, and sabotage aimed at disrupting the event, including a recent hacking incident where false emails claimed the assembly was postponed.

The WUC, which convenes every three years to elect leadership and address human rights abuses in Xinjiang, faces intensified pressure from Chinese authorities. Reports indicate that the Chinese Embassy in Sarajevo sought to cancel the assembly and encouraged local authorities to arrest former WUC President Dolkun Isa. Additionally, delegates from countries like Uzbekistan have been pressured not to attend.

Experts, including Sophie Richardson from Stanford, highlight this harassment as a reflection of Beijing’s desperation to silence criticism regarding alleged genocide and crimes against humanity and against Uyghurs. Arkin emphasized that the WUC’s efforts represent a push for democracy and self-determination, which the Chinese government perceives as a threat.