The Court of the Citizens of the World’s China Verdict: Harassment, indictments and a clear mandate for justice

A “people’s court” known as The Court of the Citizens of the World confirmed crimes against humanity and genocide charges against Chinese President Xi Jinping regarding China’s treatment of Uyghur Muslims and ethnic Tibetans. This tribunal, comprised of Former Ambassador for War Crimes Stephen Rapp, Former Madela appointee before the Constitutional Court of South Africa Zak Yacoob, and lawyer and international law specialist Bhavani Fonseka, sat from July 8-11, 2024 to hear crimes of aggression, crimes against humanity, and genocide charges against Xi.
Accusations centred around acts of aggression in Taiwan, crimes against humanity in Tibet, and genocide against the Uyghur population in East Turkistan (Xinjiang). These were meticulously presented through opening statements, expert testimonies, and victim narratives.
PROCEEDINGS
Proceedings commenced with the examination of evidence regarding Taiwan’s statehood and its right to self-determination. Prosecutor Jonathan Rees KC underscored the criminality of China’s military actions against Taiwan, reflecting violations of sovereignty and territorial integrity. Expert witnesses argued that despite limited international recognition, realpolitik interactions and de facto recognition support Taiwan’s claims to statehood. Key witnesses drew parallels between China’s actions against Taiwan and Russia’s hybrid warfare tactics in Ukraine. They highlighted how China’s military drills, missile tests, and psychological warfare aim to erode Taiwan’s sovereignty, similar to Russia’s strategy during the annexation of Crimea in 2014.
A professor from the US Naval War College and a former US Navy officer emphasized China’s continuous efforts to undermine Taiwan’s sovereignty through military intimidation and political subversion. They explained how China’s provocative exercises and missile tests in the Taiwan Strait intended to pressure and destabilize Taiwan.
In Tibet and East Turkistan (Xinjiang), there is evidence of systematic attacks directed against civilian populations belonging to religious and ethnic minorities. The tribunal listened to witnesses and examined material evidence detailing the widespread human rights abuses in Tibet and East Turkistan (Xinjiang). Victims of these atrocities shared harrowing personal experiences, with one Tibetan monk recounting the intense surveillance and intimidation he faced, and a Uyghur victim describing the use of torture instruments.
In Tibet, the prosecution claimed that the widespread destruction of temples and the imposition of restrictions on religious and cultural practices amount to crimes against humanity. Colonial boarding schools were constructed, and Tibetan language and traditions were criminalized in an effort to eradicate their distinct cultural and religious identity. First-hand accounts from victims provided a poignant and human perspective on the suffering caused by China’s policies. For instance, Guoluo Juimei, a monk from Labrang Monastery, narrated his forced displacement from Tibet, highlighting the severe repression faced by Tibetan activists. Religious experts and monks testified about the systematic targeting and destruction of Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, restrictions on religious practices, and policies aimed at dismantling Tibetan religious and cultural identity.
Victims and experts spoke about the psychological and emotional trauma caused by China’s implementation of colonial boarding schools, which have forcibly moved over a million Tibetan children and threatened the transmission of their language and culture to future generations. Experts provided evidence of widespread restrictions on free expression, opinion, movement, assembly, and association faced by Tibetans and Uyghurs. This included reports of torture, denial of services to prisoners, and enforced disappearances.
In East Turkistan (Xinjiang), mass detention camps have been set up across the region, where torture and forced sterilization have taken place. Witnesses report being blindfolded, beaten, and denied food and sleep in these camps. Surveillance and control over the lives of Uyghurs have been highly organized using state technology. Mosques have also been destroyed.