Candlelight Vigil in Memory of Abduhelil Abdumegit: Victim of China's Brutality


For Immediate Release:
Candlelight Vigil in Memory of Abdulelil Abdumegit: Victim of China's Brutality
Recently reported from Amnesty International and confirmed by the Chinese government was the death of Abdulelil Abdumegit. Abdulelil had been incarcerated since February 1997 for his part in a peaceful demonstration in Ghulja City.
Known by friends and associates as a quiet, peaceful person that advocated non-violence, Abdulelil Abdumegit was a community activist that worked in his community against drugs and alcohol abuse that threatens an entire generation of Eastern Turkestani youth. His death leaves his wife, children and the entire nation in shock, for if a man may not try to make positive changes in his community through peaceful methods, what do the people of Eastern Turkestan have left?
The circumstances surrounding Abdulelil's death remain in doubt. The Chinese government submits that his death was due to illness, but other evidence indicates beatings and tortures caused his early death. Why, for instance, was his family not permitted to view the body or visit the grave?
A memorial candlelight vigil to the memory of Abdulelil Abdumegit and his peaceful quest for change will be held on November 11, 2000 in front of the main gate of Florida Splendid China theme park in Kissimmee, Florida starting at 6PM.
Florida Splendid China is owned and operated by the State Council of the People's Republic of China as a propaganda theme park. The exhibits representing the people of Eastern Turkestan, Tibet and Inner Mongolia incorrectly assert that these once sovereign nations have been 'Chinese since ancient times' and distort history.

Contact:
Jack Churchward, Coordinator
Citizens Against Communist Chinese Propaganda

Citizens Against Communist Chinese Propaganda is a group of dedicated volunteers who are against the inclusion of 'minority' and religious exhibits at the Chinese Communist Party owned and operated Florida Splendid China theme park in Kissimmee, Florida. Specifically, we are protesting the inclusion of the Potala Palace that was built by the Tibetan people and served as the home of successive Dalai Lamas since 1645, the Id Gah Mosque and Tomb of Abakh Hoja which serve as cultural icons of the people of Eastern Turkestan and the Mausoleum of Genghis Khan and the Mongolian Yurt exhibit which attempt to add a Chinese name to the Southern Mongolian people.