The Struggle to Free Dr. Gulshan Abbas: A Case of Transnational Repression

Family and Diplomatic Hopes

As President Xi Jinping is scheduled to visit the White House later this month, Ziba Murat is hoping for a crucial discussion on her mother, Dr. Gulshan Abbas. A retired physician, Dr. Abbas has been imprisoned in China for eight years, charged with terrorism, a claim criticized by the U.S. government and human rights organizations. Murat draws hope from past experiences, noting President Trump’s previous successful intervention in the release of Pastor Ezra Jin Mingri, following talks with President Xi. Murat is urging similar efforts for her mother’s case.

Background and Arrest

Dr. Abbas, a physician in Urumqi, Xinjiang, dedicated her life to helping patients even after early retirement due to health concerns. Her family recounts her dedication to assisting those who traveled from distant villages. Her sister, Rushan Abbas, became an advocate for her release after Dr. Abbas was detained only days after Rushan criticized China’s policies on Uyghurs at a panel in Washington, in September 2018. The family considers this detention retaliation for free speech.

Secret Trial and Charges

It wasn’t until December 2020 that the family learned Dr. Abbas had been tried in secret over 18 months earlier and sentenced to 20 years in prison. Accused of terrorism and disrupting social order, she had been silenced and hidden away. Rushan Abbas vehemently counters claims made by Chinese state media asserting that her sister did not exist.

Bipartisan Support and Legislative Efforts

Dr. Abbas’s situation has garnered bipartisan support in the U.S. Congress. Lawmakers like Representative Chris Smith and Senator Chuck Grassley have advocated for prioritizing her release in diplomatic talks. A House resolution urging President Trump to secure the release of several prisoners in China passed with unanimous support.

Health Concerns and Family Connection

The family’s primary concern is Dr. Abbas’s declining health. Serious medical issues including high blood pressure and severe vision impairment remain untreated. Additionally, she is estranged from her growing family, including grandchildren she has never met. This family connection fuels their advocacy efforts.

Disappointment with the Biden Administration

Dr. Abbas’s imprisonment has spanned the terms of three U.S. presidents. The family describes the Biden administration as a challenging period, citing numerous unmet promises regarding Dr. Abbas’s priority status. Although some American detainees were released during Biden’s term, Dr. Abbas, not a U.S. citizen, didn’t receive similar attention.

The Case for Renewed Diplomatic Efforts

Supporters believe that former President Trump can play a crucial role in securing Dr. Abbas’s release, pointing to his past success in freeing other political prisoners. They stress the importance of strong advocacy against transnational repression, where nations like China target family members of outspoken citizens abroad. The upcoming meeting between Trump and Xi is seen as a valuable opportunity to address Dr. Abbas’s case specifically.

A Call to Action

For Murat and her family, the plea is straightforward. They wish for decisive intervention, urging President Trump to directly address Dr. Abbas’s situation during discussions with President Xi. They believe this could lead to the resolution they desperately seek, allowing Dr. Abbas to return home and reunite with her family.