Intelligence Squared Escaping Xinjiang, with Nury Turkel
Jun 29, 2022
Nury Turkel, a Uyghur American lawyer and human rights advocate, shares his compelling journey, having been born in a re-education camp in Xinjiang. He discusses the historical and cultural significance of Xinjiang for the Uyghur people, highlighting personal stories of oppression and the emotional toll of family separation. Turkel emphasizes the urgent need for global activism against systemic abuses and reflects on the importance of preserving Uyghur identity amidst ongoing repression. This conversation is a powerful call to recognize and confront human rights violations.
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Born in Repression
- Nury Turkel was born in a re-education camp in 1970, similar to the ones he fights against today.
- His parents were separated and sent to forced labor camps due to his grandfather's nationalist label.
Choosing America
- Turkel chose the U.S. for its support of dissidents, seeking an opportunity to advocate for the Uyghur people.
- Leaving China was difficult; he left his injured mother and hasn't seen his father since 1995.
Transnational Repression
- Turkel faced transnational repression, including threatening calls and retaliation against his family.
- The Chinese government confiscated his parents' passports, preventing them from attending family weddings.
