UNPO, with the East Turkestan Foundation, will be marking the events of 5 February 1997 with a vigil in Amsterdam’s Dam Square.

Below is a press release published by UNPO:

On 5 February 1997 several hundred Uyghurs were demonstrating in the streets of Gulja, East Turkestan against the oppression of their culture and religion by the Chinese government. This peaceful demonstration was met with excessive force by the Chinese authorities. As a result dozens of people were killed during the crackdown; hundreds lost their lives or were seriously injured.

On 3 February 2008, the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization (UNPO) will commemorate the violent suppression of Uyghur activities in Gulja, East Turkestan on 5 February 1997. This second Tiananmen-style crackdown on protestors has been concealed from the public eye for years. The UNPO and the East Turkestan Foundation will gather at Dam Square Amsterdam on 3 February 2008 at 14:00 to commemorate these violent acts of suppression.

It is worthy to recall that the Chinese oppressive regime has removed any freedom of speech from the public domain and its citizens cannot freely express their opinions under fear of repression and abduction. Their right to assemble – regardless however peaceful – is considered illegal and carries great consequences. Religion is disrespected and expression of creed has an outcome only to be paired with torture and despair for the victim and their family.