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Serikzhan Bilash (Kazakh: Серікжан Біләшұлы, Serikjan Biläşulı; born 1975) is a Kazakh public, political and human rights activist, former entrepreneur, head of the human rights organization Atajurt Kazakh Human Rights, video blogger. He known for his efforts to expose and combat the treatment of ethnic Kazakhs and other Turkic peoples in China's Xinjiang region. He is the co-founder of the human rights organization Atajurt Kazakh Human Rights, which focuses on documenting and publicizing the internment of ethnic Kazakhs in Xinjiang's so-called re-education camps.[1][2] In 2020 he was forced to leave Kazakhstan,[3] currently lives in the USA.
Serikzhan Bilash | |
|---|---|
Серікжан Біләшұлы | |
| co-founder of the human rights organization Atajurt Kazakh Human Rights | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1975 Lake Sairam Kazakh Autonomous Region Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region PRC |
| Nationality | Kazakh |
| Political party | Atajurt Party |
| Spouse | Leila Adiljan |
| Occupation | politician, human rights activist |
Activism
editSerikzhan Bilash has been a prominent figure in raising awareness about the human rights abuses occurring in Xinjiang. His organization, Atajurt Kazakh Human Rights, has played a crucial role in documenting and publicizing the testimonies of former detainees and their families. These testimonies have highlighted cases of arbitrary detention, forced separation of families, and the suppression of cultural and religious practices among ethnic Kazakhs and other Turkic minorities in Xinjiang.[4]
Xinjiang Re-education Camps
editThe "re-education camps" in Xinjiang have been widely criticized by international human rights organizations and governments for detaining ethnic minorities without due process and subjecting them to forced indoctrination, labor, and other human rights abuses. Bilash's work has brought significant attention to the plight of those detained in these camps. Through his organization, he has collected and disseminated numerous accounts of the conditions and treatment faced by detainees.[5]
Arrest and Legal Issues
editIn March 2019, Serikzhan Bilash was arrested by Kazakh authorities on charges of inciting ethnic hatred. This arrest was widely perceived as politically motivated, allegedly influenced by pressure from China. Following his arrest, Bilash was released under the condition that he cease his activism and remain in Almaty. Despite these restrictions, his earlier efforts continue to resonate and contribute to the international understanding of the situation in Xinjiang.[6][7]
Legacy
editSerikzhan Bilash's activism has been instrumental in drawing global attention to the human rights crisis in Xinjiang. His commitment to documenting and sharing the experiences of detainees has provided valuable insights into the extent and nature of the abuses occurring in the region. Bilash remains a key figure in the fight against the persecution of ethnic minorities in Xinjiang.[8][9][10]
References
edit- ^ Pannier, Bruce (2023-09-30). "Activist Defending Ethnic Kazakhs In China Explains Why He Had To Flee Kazakhstan". Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. Retrieved 2024-07-22.
- ^ "Silencing of Activist Shows Kazakhstan's Contempt for Rights | Human Rights Watch". 2019-08-21. Retrieved 2024-07-22.
- ^ France-Presse, Agence (2019-08-17). "Xinjiang activist freed in Kazakh court after agreeing to stop campaigning". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2024-07-22.
- ^ "Serikzhan Bilash – The Diplomat". thediplomat.com. Retrieved 2024-07-22.
- ^ Haitiwaji, Gulbahar; Morgat, Rozenn (2021-01-12). "'Our souls are dead': how I survived a Chinese 're-education' camp for Uyghurs". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2024-07-22.
- ^ "Serikzhan Bilash Wins His Case in Almaty". 2021-12-22. Retrieved 2024-07-22.
- ^ Rivers, Matt (2019-03-13). "Xinjiang human rights activist arrested". CNN. Retrieved 2024-07-22.
- ^ "Xinjiang activist spared jail, but must end criticism of China". South China Morning Post. 2019-08-17. Retrieved 2024-07-22.
- ^ France-Presse, Agence (2019-03-11). "Kazakh police arrest activist who campaigned for human rights in Xinjiang". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2024-07-22.
- ^ "Kazakh rights defender arrested over Xinjiang activism". France 24. 2019-03-10. Retrieved 2024-07-22.