PRESS RELEASE – For Immediate Release
East Turkistan Government in Exile (ETGE)
East-Turkistan.Net
contact@East-Turkistan.Net
5 April 2024
Washington D.C. – Earlier today, over a dozen members of the Uyghur diaspora community in Washington DC commemorated the 34th anniversary of East Turkistan Uprising Day, also known as the Baren Revolution of 1990, with a demonstration at the State Department. The demonstration coincided with US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen’s visit to China for meetings with Chinese officials.
East Turkistan Uprising Day embodies the enduring spirit of the East Turkistani people in their quest for freedom, independence, and dignity in the face of an ongoing campaign of colonization, genocide, and occupation by the Chinese government.
The Baren Revolution of April 5, 1990, in East Turkistan represents a pivotal moment in the enduring struggle of the Uyghur people against Chinese domination. In the small village of Barin, Akto County, what began as a peaceful demonstration by villagers against repressive Chinese policies quickly escalated into a tragic conflict. Faced with brutal suppression, the villagers’ actions evolved into an armed uprising, symbolizing their profound resistance to forced abortions, religious persecution, colonization, the erasure of their cultural identity, and occupation.
The brutal response from the Chinese military, resulting in the massacre of thousands of innocent civilians, underscored the lengths to which the authorities would go to quash dissent. This event not only highlighted the desperate fight for Uyghur rights and freedoms but also marked a significant chapter in the global narrative of native peoples’ resistance against colonial oppression, leaving a legacy of resilience and defiance that continues to inspire the quest for independence and justice in East Turkistan.
President Mamtimin Ala of the East Turkistan Government in Exile shared his reflections on this pivotal day: The East Turkistan Uprising of 1990 [Baren Revolution] holds a significant position in our history. It was a remarkable story of bravery, selflessness, and foresight for our country. Despite its tragic defeat, it serves as a reminder that freedom is essential for a meaningful life, independence is crucial for the safety of Uyghurs, and unwavering faith is necessary for survival.”
As Secretary of the Treasury, Janet Yellen meets with Chinese officials in Beijing, the ETGE calls upon the United States government to recognize the gravity of the situation in East Turkistan and to take decisive action against the ongoing genocide perpetrated by the People’s Republic of China.
The Foreign Affairs and Security Minister of the East Turkistan Government in Exile, Salih Hudayar, succinctly emphasized, “We urge the United States to recognize the struggle for independence in East Turkistan and act decisively against China’s genocide, honoring the legacy of the Baren Revolution.”
The commemorations of the Baren Revolution by the East Turkistani global diaspora community are a powerful testament to the unbroken resolve of the East Turkistani community. It serves not only to honor the memory of those who bravely resisted oppression but also to spotlight the urgent need for the international community, particularly the United States, the EU, Japan, and India, to act decisively to support East Turkistan and its people.
The ETGE is calling on the international community to implement and enforce measures to hold the Chinese government accountable for its genocide in East Turkistan, support the right of the East Turkistani people to external self-determination and independence, and lead international initiatives to investigate and prosecute Chinese officials for genocide and crimes against humanity in East Turkistan.
