NewKerala.com

US Speaker Invites Uyghur Doctor's Daughter to Spotlight China Detention

US House Speaker Mike Johnson invited Ziba Murat, the daughter of detained Uyghur doctor Gulshan Abbas, as his guest to the State of the Union address. Dr. Abbas was forcibly disappeared in 2018 shortly after her sister publicly criticized China's treatment of Uyghurs. The Campaign for Uyghurs states she has serious health issues and has been denied proper medical care and family contact. The move aims to increase diplomatic pressure for her release and spotlight alleged human rights abuses.

Key Points: Speaker Johnson Hosts Uyghur Doctor's Daughter at State of Union

  • Speaker highlights Uyghur detention case
  • Doctor detained after family criticism
  • Concerns over health and lack of contact
  • Call for immediate release and accountability
  • Framed as transnational repression
2 min read

US: Speaker Mike Johnson invites daughter of detained Uyghur doctor to State of the Union, CFU welcomes move

Speaker Mike Johnson invites Ziba Murat, daughter of detained Uyghur doctor Gulshan Abbas, to the State of the Union, highlighting human rights concerns.

"inviting her daughter... was part of ongoing efforts to spotlight human rights abuses - Speaker Mike Johnson"

Washington DC Februar, y 26

During the 2026 State of the Union Address, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson invited Ziba Murat, the daughter of detained Uyghur doctor Gulshan Abbas, as his guest, drawing national attention to her case and the broader human rights concerns surrounding the Uyghur community in China. The development was highlighted in a press release issued by Campaign for Uyghurs.

According to CFU, Dr. Gulshan Abbas was forcibly disappeared by Chinese authorities in September 2018, days after her sister, Rushan Abbas, Executive Director of CFU, publicly criticised the Chinese government's treatment of Uyghurs at an event hosted by the Hudson Institute. The organisation stated that the family had no information about her whereabouts until December 2020, when authorities acknowledged that she had been sentenced following what CFU described as secret proceedings on unfounded charges.

Now in her eighth year of detention, CFU said concerns are mounting regarding Dr. Abbas' health. The organisation alleged that she suffers from serious medical conditions and has been denied adequate medical care and regular contact with her family. It described her imprisonment as a case of transnational repression and a violation of international legal standards.

In remarks first reported by The Hill, Speaker Johnson said Dr. Abbas had been detained in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region shortly after a family member spoke publicly about the treatment of Uyghur Muslims. He stated that inviting her daughter to attend the State of the Union was part of ongoing efforts to spotlight human rights abuses and call for the release of those he described as unjustly detained.

Ziba Murat said attending the address as the Speaker's guest was a significant moment for her family. She expressed hope that the increased visibility would lead to stronger diplomatic efforts and ultimately secure her mother's release.

In its statement, CFU thanked Speaker Johnson for bringing renewed attention to Dr. Gulshan Abbas's case and reiterated its call for her immediate release, along with other Uyghurs the organisation says are being unjustly detained. The group also renewed its demand for accountability over alleged crimes against humanity targeting the Uyghur population, as stated in the CFU press release.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rahul R
While the human rights concern is valid, I hope the US shows similar consistency. They are quick to point fingers elsewhere but often silent on their allies' records or their own domestic issues. The spotlight should be on the victim, not used as a political tool.
A
Aman W
Detained for 8 years without proper medical care? This is heartbreaking. Every country must respect basic human dignity. India has its own challenges, but we must always stand for fundamental rights globally. Hope diplomatic pressure works.
S
Sarah B
Interesting move. The US often uses such platforms to shape foreign policy narratives. From an Indian strategic perspective, we have to navigate our relationship with China carefully. Our focus should remain on resolving our own border issues pragmatically.
K
Karthik V
Secret proceedings and "unfounded charges" sound all too familiar in our own neighbourhood. It's a reminder that transparency and rule of law are pillars of a just society. Wishing strength to the family.
N
Nisha Z
As a doctor, she should be helping people, not imprisoned. The medical community globally should voice support. Health is a basic right. Hope this attention leads to real action, not just headlines.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50