Justice For All’s Save Uyghur Campaign Honors Martyrs of the Baren Massacre on its 35th Anniversary

Washington, D.C. — April 4, 2025

For Immediate Release

Contact: Hena Zuberi

hena@justiceforall.org

(202) 922-5878

Justice For All’s Save Uyghur Campaign solemnly commemorates the courageous protesters who lost their lives at the hands of the Chinese regime in Baren, East Turkistan’s Akto county, near Kashgar. The Baren Massacre, which occurred on April 5, 1990, marks its 35th anniversary this year, serving as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made in the ongoing struggle for freedom and justice for the Uyghur and other Turkic peoples.

Under the oppressive rule of the Chinese Communist Party, Uyghurs and other Turkic peoples have endured relentless colonization, forced assimilation, and population control measures, including the horrific practice of coerced abortions. The people of Baren, who had withstood decades of harsh occupation, reached a tipping point when 250 local women were forced to endure abortions. Their peaceful protests and self-defense were met with brutal force by Chinese authorities.

During China’s genocidal One Child Policy, Uyghur women faced systematic forced abortions, igniting a rebellion led by Zeydin Yusup against these inhumane mandates. In response to Baren’s resistance, Chinese authorities unleashed The People’s Liberation Army (PLA), violently crushing the protests and targeting unarmed Uyghur civilians with heavy weaponry and airstrikes, resulting in the deaths of thousands. In the aftermath, over 7,000 individuals were detained, with many handed unjustly lengthy sentences or facing execution.

Imam Abdul Malik Mujahid, President of Justice For All, stated, “As we mark this somber anniversary, we honor the memories of those lost and stand in unwavering solidarity with all who resist tyranny. Their courage in the face of such brutality continues to inspire our fight for justice.”

Reflecting on the tragedy, Arslan Hidayat, Team Lead of the Save Uyghur Campaign, asserted, “The enduring spirit of those who rose against oppression urges us to persist in our mission against the atrocities inflicted upon the Uyghur people. We draw strength from their bravery as we continue our work to end this genocide.”

As the Chinese regime continues its assault on the Uyghur population, perpetrating genocide and unthinkable crimes against humanity, we urge the global community to hold China accountable. It is crucial that justice is delivered for the lives lost to this inhumane regime that flagrantly disregards basic human rights. To ensure a future free from tyranny, we implore decisive international action to stop these heinous acts.