Update on Advocacy for Huseyin Celil (September 2021)

With the great news of Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor returning back home to Canada safely, the narrative has shifted towards the lack of government action on Huseyin Celil. 

Just recently at a press conference, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau did not acknowledge or recognize Huseyin Celil when asked why the Canadian government was unsuccessful in bringing him back home. To listen to PM Trudeau's unacceptable response, click HERE. 

Canadians are speaking out. There has been an uproar of support for Huseyin Celil on both media coverage and social media. We would like to thank everyone who has contributed to the discussion and awareness of Huseyin's case - whether that be sharing information with Canadians, posting on social media or mentioning his case in the press. 

Kamila Talendibaeva, Huseyin's wife, has spoken to various media outlets about specific asks for the Canadian Government on Huseyin's case:

• Meeting with the Prime Minister.
• Meeting with Ambassador Dominic Barton.
• Implementing the recommendation made by Parliament of appointing a special envoy tasked with seeking Huseyin's release and return. 
• Huseyin should be given the same priority that Ottawa gave the two Michaels.
• Stating Huseyin Celil's name publicly when it comes to affairs with China.
• Engaging with China in a possible deal to free Huseyin (as done with the 2 Michaels)

Here are the recent media coverages on Huseyin Celil:

September 28: A question on Huseyin Celil was posed to the PM, (Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Speaks to the Media)

September 28: Family of Canadian Uyghur advocate held in China upset, outraged he remains detained, National Post (The Canadian Press)

September 28: Burlington man held by China for 15 years now, CP24 (Video)

September 28: Wife of detainee Huseyin Celil asks Canada to act, days after the release of the two Michaels from China, Metro Morning with Ismaila Alfa (CBC Podcast)

September 27: Family wants Ottawa to do more to get Canadian Huseyin Celil out of Chinese prison, CBC (Video)

September 27: Five things to know about the forgotten Canadian still behind bars in China, National Post (Devika Desai)

September 27: Which Canadians are left in Chinese prisons? As Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor are free, 115 more remain behind, The Globe and Mail (James Griffiths) 

September 27: 'Points of re-entry' on CBC's As It Happens with Carol Off, Chris Howden (Podcast) (Timestamp: 9:05)

September 26: Meng for the two Michaels: Lessons for the world from the China-Canada prisoner swap, The Conversation (David Webster)

September 25: The two Michaels are finally home. Now what about Huseyin Celil?, The Star (Haroon Siddiqui)

September 15: Don't forget Celil in Chinese prison, say supporters of Canadian Uyghur advocate, CTV News (The Canadian Press, Mike Blanchfield)

We will continue to push the media and government to act on Huseyin's case. 

Thank you,