Opposition figure urges Turkey's president to challenge China on East Turkistan

By Emin Avundukluoglu

ANKARA (AA) – A Turkish opposition leader on Tuesday urged the Turkish president to challenge China on East Turkistan as he challenged Israel on Palestine issue.

“Mr. [Recep Tayyip] Erdogan has not opened his mouth for our brothers from East Turkistan against China's atrocity…You should do what is necessary. Of course, you will not be afraid while doing this. You will be able to challenge China as you challenged Israel; that suits the president of Turkish State," Meral Aksener, leader of Good (IYI) Party, told her party's parliamentary group.

China’s Xinjiang region [East Turkistan] is home to around 10 million Uighurs. The Turkic Muslim group, which makes up around 45% of Xinjiang’s population, has long accused China’s authorities of cultural, religious and economic discrimination.

Aksener strongly condemned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for his bloody politics against Palestinians.

“I call on the international community to stand by Palestinians and to say 'Stop' to Netanyahu's wildness,” she said.

The total number of people killed in the ongoing Israeli attacks on the besieged Gaza Strip has risen to at least 212, including women and children, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry. As many as 1,400 people have also been injured.

The Israeli military has staged airstrikes since May 10, leaving behind a massive trail of destruction. Media offices and health centers are among the structures targeted.

Tensions that started in East Jerusalem during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan spread to Gaza as a result of Israeli assaults on worshippers in the flashpoint Al-Aqsa Mosque compound and Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood.

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