The Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization (UNPO) expresses its sincere concern regarding recent events in East Turkestan.

Two Uyghur men have been detained by Chinese authorities on Wednesday, 23 September 2009, for allegedly leaking information regarding the death of Shohret Tursun, who passed away while in police custody.

Tursun was one of 40 Uyghur men from Qorghas to be detained after the deadly protests of 5 July 2009 in Urumqi. The Chinese authorities recently informed Tursun's family that he died from a fatal heart attack yet when his body was handed over it showed clear indications of torture.

One man is still being sought by the police, also for allegedly passing along information regarding the course of events. Once more, this situation is testimony to the ongoing ethnic discrimination and targeted violence towards the Uyghur population in East Turkestan.

The UNPO urges diplomatic representatives and international organisations to join with UNPO members in publicly voicing their concern over Tursun's death and the unlawful detainment of two Uyghur men.