A slap from the Dutch Parliament to China’s repression policy—and a victory for Amsterdam’s Lonely Uyghur.
by Abdurehim Gheni Uyghur
“The road to freedom is not easy. We must pass through the shadows of fear to see the light of hope.”—Nelson Mandela.
The past few months have been for me a journey marked by painful trials and historic turning points. On February 14, 2026, I was violently assaulted by Chinese government security personnel inside City Hall in The Hague. Being pinned down, with my neck and arms twisted, was unmistakable proof that China’s transnational repression has now reached the heart of Europe and penetrated democratic institutions. Yet today, I speak not as a victim, but as someone witnessing the triumph of justice.
I first met the Honorable Stephan van Baarle, Member of the Dutch Parliament and leader of the DENK party, on February 27, 2026, at an Iftar event in The Hague to which I had been officially invited. During that meeting, I described in detail the violence I suffered at the hands of Chinese security agents during my peaceful protest on February 14. I showed him video evidence and asked that the threat of China’s transnational repression against Uyghurs living in the Netherlands be brought before Parliament. Van Baarle promised me that he would take action.
He kept his promise. On April 16, he raised my case in the Dutch Parliament, addressing Foreign Affairs Minister Tom Berendsen with pointed questions and demanding a clear governmental stance. Thanks to his efforts, a motion was submitted and passed on April 21 with an overwhelming majority of 116 out of 150 votes. These 116 votes send a powerful message to China: freedom will not be suffocated on Dutch soil.
Yesterday, May 11, 2026, I met van Baarle again in his parliamentary office. He provided detailed information about the parliamentary debate, the Minister’s positive responses, and the significance of this decision for the safety of the Uyghur diaspora. That meeting reaffirmed that we Uyghurs are not alone in our legal and moral struggle.
The response from the Dutch Foreign Affairs Minister Berendsen was deeply encouraging. His explicit acknowledgment of the violence I endured, and his confirmation that I—and other activists in similar situations—will be fully protected under Dutch law, brought me great comfort. This is a powerful affirmation of democratic values and a well-deserved slap in the face to the Chinese government. Through this decision, the Netherlands has sent a clear message to the world: the “long arm of Beijing” will not be allowed to undermine democracy.
This victory is the result of determination overcoming fear. If the Chinese aggressors believed they could silence us through violence, they have failed completely. Their policy of transnational repression has now ended in international disgrace. This success is the product of my unwavering resistance to the colonialist and genocidal policies of the Chinese government—a resistance I have maintained despite years of death threats, psychological pressure, and the blackmailing of my family members by China’s long arm.
Although this may appear to be my personal victory, it is, in fact, a collective triumph for all Uyghurs who stand against transnational repression and for everyone who upholds justice. If we remain silent out of fear while living in free countries, the Chinese government will gradually extinguish our voices. But if we protect ourselves through the law and make justice our banner, democratic institutions will protect us. I have witnessed this firsthand through the actions of the Dutch Parliament and Government, to whom I express my deepest gratitude.
We must make it clear to China that they cannot silence us anywhere. They cannot extinguish our voices. Our struggle is a righteous fight against colonialism and the injustice of the Chinese government. I will never stop fighting until the Uyghur people achieve complete freedom and independence.
Abdurehim Gheni is a Uyghur activist living in the Netherlands who became famous for his solo protests in Dam Square in Amsterdam. He also educates tourists to the reality of the Uyghur genocide.
