Chinese Violence Sparks Protests in Tokyo and Sydney

Atrocities in Chinas Xinjiang region have sparked protests amongst ethnic Uighur communities in Australia and Japan. They condemn Chinese authorities involvement in violence against their ethnic group and demand action from overseas countries.
A handful of Japanese and Uighur people are outside Tokyos Chinese embassy in protest.

About 14 of them cry out from across the street for Chinese authorities to stop killing and leave the region where the country's Muslim minority resides.

Ehmetjan Letip came to Japan five years ago to study physics. He says the escalating situation has moved him to join protests.

[Ehmetjan Letip, Student]:
"If China wants to claim ownership of that region, they should treat the people there the same way they treat Chinese people in other areas."

Due to police restriction, only five protesters are permitted to approach the embassy at once to deliver their message.

Ilham Mahmut, who heads the Japan branch of the World Uighur Congress, reads a statement saying "stop the racial massacre against Uighur people."

On the other side of the world, about 150 protesters gather outside the Chinese consulate in Sydney to protest what activists say are human rights violations and ethnic violence against the Uighur people. The protest forced the consulate to close.

One protester says Uighur people are not to blame for the violence and Chinese authorities are preventing communication with the region.

Protest organizer and Australian Uighur Association General Secretary, Mamtimin Ala, expresses his concerns over the lack of information and the deaths in China. Hes also upset about the Australian governments lack of action.

[Mamtimin Ala, Protest Organizer]:
"Its quite frustrating that the Australian Government has not voiced any concern."

Ethnic violence in Urumqi erupted on July 5, culminating in a clash between Uighur protesters and Chinese police. At least 150 people are dead and 800 are injured.

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