By Uyghur Times Staff
November 24, 2024
In a heartfelt video message released on November 24, 2024, Uyghur activist Tahir Imin commemorated the 44 Uyghur lives lost in the tragic Urumqi fire of 2022. He called on the international community to hold the Chinese government accountable for what he described as “arbitrary and inhumane actions” that led to the deaths.
The victims, trapped in a locked residential building, were unable to escape as the fire spread. According to reports, authorities failed to send adequate rescue services or allow the residents to evacuate, resulting in the preventable loss of lives.
“This tragedy is a clear indication that the Chinese government does not value Uyghur lives,” said Tahir Imin in his statement. “While millions of Uyghurs endure genocidal policies, this horrific incident shows that the Chinese authorities believe they can act with impunity against a helpless and innocent population.”
Following the fire, the Chinese government significantly downplayed the death toll and failed to hold anyone accountable for the incident, sparking outrage and grief among the Uyghur community and human rights advocates worldwide.
Tahir Imin urged global leaders and institutions to take concrete steps in addressing China’s ongoing human rights abuses against the Uyghur people, emphasizing that justice and accountability are long overdue.
