Benjamin Gilman: “I want to thank the chairmen and ranking minority members of the International Operations and Human Rights, and the Asia…”

“I want to thank the chairmen and ranking minority members of the International Operations and Human Rights, and the Asia and Pacific Subcommittees for their work on this important resolution. Ms. Rabiya Kadeer, her son and secretary were arrested in Chinese-occupied East Turkestan or the Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region on August 11, 1999, as they were attempting to meet with a group of congressional staff. Ms. Kadeer's husband works for Radio Free Asia and has been critical of the Chinese occupation of his homeland. After their arrest, the three individuals were eventually accused of illegally giving Mr. Kadeer various news clippings and public speeches concerning the struggle in East Turkestan. Ms. Kadeer was sentenced to 8 years in prison, her son was sent to a labor camp for 2 years and her secretary to 3 years. The resolution calls on the Government of the People's Republic of China to immediately release them and permit them to move to the United States if so they desire. I urge my colleagues to support the resolution.”