A “people’s court” known as The Court of the Citizens of the World convened the China Tribunal at The Hague from July 7-12, 2024. The tribunal included Stephen Rapp, former U.S. Ambassador-at-large for war crimes; Zak Yacoob, a retired judge who served on the Constitutional Court of South Africa; and Bhavani Fonseka, constitutional lawyer and human rights lawyer and activist in Sri Lanka.
The Court considered charges against Xi Jinping, President of China for evidence of the self determination of the Taiwanese people and the crime of aggression against Taiwan and neighbouring states; crimes against humanity in Tibet; and crimes against humanity and genocide against the Uyghur population in East Turkistan.
The tribunal included hearings of the victims, witnesses and expert witnesses. Kelsang Aukatsang, AFI President, was one of the experts who spoke at a panel discussion on July 7.
While the judges decided there was not enough evidence to confirm the count of aggression against Taiwan, Taiwanese statehood was recognised. They also found there was clear evidence of crimes against humanity against the local population in Tibet and the Uyghur community in East Turkistan. They also confirmed charges of genocide against the Uyghur people.
The indictment confirmed by the judges on July 12, 2024 found Xi Jinping guilty of the following crimes against the Tibetan people: “widespread and systematic attack; Forcible transfer of children; imprisonment or other severe deprivation of physical liberty; and persecution of the civilian Tibetan population.”
It charged Xi Jinping as having committed the following crimes against the people of East Turkistan: “genocide; widespread and systematic attack; imprisonment or other severe deprivation of physical liberty; torture; rape and sexual violence incl. enforced sterilisation; forcible transfer of Uyghur children; forcible transfer of forced labour; persecution; and enforced disappearance.”
The Court issued an arrest warrant for Xi Jinping.
In February 2023, the Court of the Citizens of the World organised a tribunal in relation to the crime of aggression in Ukraine, which confirmed the ICC indictment of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
While the decisions of the court are symbolic. People’s tribunals are considered as a way to create a legal blueprint for possible cases. According to JURISTnews, “the tribunal has imparted a powerful moral and legal message against human rights violations, even if current geopolitical realities might impede immediate action. Its comprehensive findings and unequivocal moral stance ensure these crimes remain in global consciousness. This judgment provides enduring hope that future international legal bodies might hold even the most powerful leaders accountable, thus upholding the rights of vulnerable communities worldwide.”
