Echoes of Justice in the Heart of The Hague: Uyghur Activist Abdurehim Gheni Meets with Dutch Politicians

 

Abdurehim Gheni Uyghur

 "My body may be scarred, but my spirit remains unbroken. My struggle against China’s colonialism and genocide will never cease!" — From my diary.

As a Uyghur political activist from East Turkestan, I had the opportunity on the evening of Friday, February 27, 2026, to once again raise the voice of my people in the heart of The Hague—the global symbol of peace and justice. While China’s transnational repression has left physical scars on me, it could never extinguish the fire of resistance in my soul. I have long since conquered the fear of the Chinese Communist Party. Their threats, violence, and cowardly slogans like "You deserve to die, I will kill you" cannot deter me from the struggle for freedom. I know that every step taken for liberty further exposes the brutality of Beijing.

On Friday, I was invited to a special Iftar event organized by the DENK Party in The Hague. Entering the hall with my traditional Uyghur "Doppa" (embroidered skullcap), a symbol of our identity, I stood in line at the registration desk. The coordinator’s eyes immediately fixed on my cap. He paused, approached me, and asked in a respectful tone:

"Are you… Abdurehim Gheni?"

He recognized me by my Doppa! I could see the respect and warmth in his eyes. When I nodded "Yes," he immediately escorted me out of the line and personally led me to the section reserved for distinguished guests. His smile at that moment said: "We know who you are, and we value your struggle."

This was not merely a matter of protocol; it was the result of my solo protests, my father’s martyrdom in a concentration camp, and my refusal to be silenced by China’s threats. My Doppa is not just clothing; it is my identity, my Uyghur heritage, and the emblem of East Turkestan’s demand for freedom.

Strong Political Support

During the Iftar, I held face-to-face meetings with Stephan van Baarle, the Leader of the DENK Party and Member of the Dutch Parliament, and Nur Icar, the Deputy Mayor (Wethouder) of The Hague. This meeting was more than a social event; it was a new milestone in political support for my cause. Mr. Van Baarle is a leader who, on April 9, 2025, submitted a historic motion in the Dutch Parliament to replace the colonial Chinese name "Xinjiang" with our historical and rightful name, "East Turkestan" (Oost-Turkestan).

During our conversation, I presented the following request to Mr. Van Baarle:

"Honorable Stephan van Baarle, on February 14, while peacefully protesting at a Chinese event in The Hague City Hall—a symbol of justice—I was physically assaulted and death-threatened by Chinese state-affiliated security personnel. This is a vivid example of China's transnational repression on Dutch soil. I request that you bring this incident to the floor of the Dutch Parliament. We must prevent Beijing's long arm from undermining democracy and our safety in a democratic country like the Netherlands."

Mr. Van Baarle noted that he had seen the viral footage of the assault on X (Twitter) and stated: "This indeed falls under the category of transnational repression." He then introduced me to his personal assistant, requesting that I forward all evidence and materials related to this violence, promising to strive to raise this issue in the Tweede Kamer (Dutch Parliament).

Following this, I spoke with Nur Icar, Deputy Mayor of The Hague:

"It is unacceptable for a Dutch citizen to be unprotected from Chinese threats inside a government building. I request an independent investigation into the security protocols and the relationship with the event organizers. Together, we must protect The Hague’s reputation as the 'City of Peace and Justice'."

Mr. Icar assured me that the City of The Hague would make every effort to look into this matter. Their sincere concern for my physical and mental well-being deeply moved me.

Conclusion: Justice is Stronger than Oppression

This meeting proved that the threats China poses to activists in Europe are no longer just a personal matter—they have become a matter of Dutch national security, democratic values, and the principles of justice. The DENK Party’s stand for human rights and Mr. Van Baarle’s support for the name "East Turkestan" give immense strength to our struggle for independence.

If there is anything stronger than Beijing's tyranny, it is our pursuit of justice.

    Date: March 4, 2026

（Edited by jiang peikun）