World Uyghur Congress Remembers 2009 Urumchi Massacre

The World Uyghur Congress (WUC) is set to commemorate the victims of a violent crackdown against peaceful protesters by the Chinese government on July 5, marking the 15th anniversary of the 2009 massacre in Urumchi.

The 2009 Urumchi Massacre

On July 5, 2009, thousands of Uyghurs marched towards the People’s Square in Urumchi to protest the Chinese government’s handling of the Shaoguan incident. The protest led to three days of violence between Uyghurs and Han Chinese, resulting in many deaths and injuries.

WUC President’s Statement

WUC President Dolkun Isa described the 2009 Urumchi Massacre as one of the darkest episodes in Uyghur history. He stated that the Chinese government’s harsh crackdown marked a pivotal turning point, intensifying the repression of the Uyghur people and leading to the current genocide.

Protests and Global Solidarity

From July 5-7, 2009, peaceful Uyghur protesters demanding equal treatment were met with a brutal response from Chinese police forces. The heavy-handed response escalated the situation, leading to a severe crackdown and a communications blackout.

To remember the Urumchi Massacre and call for an end to ongoing human rights abuses, global Uyghur diaspora communities will hold protests on July 5. The WUC urges people to participate in these protests as a sign of solidarity and calls on the international community to hold China accountable for its actions.