Uyghur Activists in France Re-File Transnational Repression Case in Paris Court
Two Uyghur activists in France have re-filed a complaint in a Paris court alleging transnational repression by China, RFA reported.
This case stems from events during Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to France in May 2024, when Chinese citizens, allegedly organized by the Chinese Embassy, attacked a protest led by the European Uyghur Institute. Following this, Reyhan and Jelilova claim they faced surveillance and threats, including an attempted hostage situation at Jelilova’s home.
Initially, the activists filed a complaint that did not receive a response, prompting them to submit a new individual complaint on March 10, 2025. Reyhan emphasized that their case addresses the broader issue of China’s ongoing genocide against Uyghurs, asserting that such actions aim to intimidate the entire Uyghur diaspora.
The Chinese government has been accused of detaining approximately 1.8 million Uyghurs in re-education camps since 2017. Reyhan highlighted that one of the individuals who threatened Jelilova was a Chinese Embassy employee who was later deported. The case has drawn significant media attention, with Le Monde stating that China’s actions aim to silence activists like Reyhan and Jelilova, exemplifying judicial harassment against exiled individuals. The court hearing regarding a separate protest incident has been rescheduled for October 13.
