The World Uyghur Congress (WUC) has announced demonstrations in Istanbul and Berlin today, October 1, to raise concerns over the rights of Uyghurs and other communities in China’s Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. The rallies coincide with the anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.

According to the organisation, a demonstration will be held at 11 am outside the Chinese Consulate General in Istanbul’s Sariyer district under the message “East Turkistan Has Resisted for 77 Years – No to Occupation!”, and will include a press statement on what it describes as China’s occupation of East Turkistan and the alleged persecution of Uyghurs. Separately, the WUC will join partner organisations for a demonstration outside the Chinese Embassy in Berlin from 4 pm to 6 pm.

The WUC says the events will draw attention to allegations of arbitrary detention, restrictions on religious and cultural practices, and forced labour. China rejects the allegations, saying its Xinjiang policies target terrorism, extremism and separatism, and describes them as measures for development, security and countering extremism.