Family’s Hopes Rise as Summit Approaches with Xi Jinping

When President Xi Jinping visits the White House soon, Ziba Murat hopes her mother’s plight will be on the agenda. Dr. Gulshan Abbas, a retired physician aged 64, has languished in a Chinese prison on what the U.S. and human rights groups label fabricated terrorism charges. The upcoming meeting between the U.S. president and Xi presents an opportunity for her release, according to her family.

“I hope the president can raise my mother’s case,” Murat told Newsweek. Past examples, like the release of Pastor Ezra Jin Mingri following the president’s intervention, offer a glimmer of hope.

Rushan Abbas, Gulshan’s sister, has advocated for her release since 2018. She views the summit as a chance to bring attention to Gulshan’s incarceration and pleads for the president to act on her behalf.

Gulshan Abbas’s case has received bipartisan support in Congress. A resolution introduced by Representative Chris Smith calls for prioritization of political prisoner releases, including Abbas. The resolution passed the House in May with overwhelming support, highlighting strong legislative backing.

Senator Chuck Grassley supports raising the issue with Xi. “It ought to be on the agenda,” Grassley commented.

The State Department criticized China’s actions against Uyghurs, condemning transnational repression.

How Dr. Abbas Disappeared

Dr. Gulshan Abbas practiced medicine in Urumqi, Xinjiang. Despite early retirement for health reasons, she continued helping patients. Her dedication was evident from early morning engagements, often assisting individuals from distant areas.

Her sister Rushan Abbas spoke openly about the disappearance of her husband’s family and the Uyghurs’ treatment in Xinjiang. Shortly after her public comments, Chinese authorities arrested Gulshan.

For two years, the family received no information. Then, state media accused Rushan of fabricating her sister’s existence, a stark contradiction to later revelations of a secret trial. Gulshan was sentenced to 20 years on charges linked to terrorism, claims her family disputes.

“One day they say I’m lying, the next she’s a criminal,” Rushan lamented.

Struggles of the Abbas Family

Dr. Abbas has 24 U.S. relatives, including daughters and grandchildren she hardly knows. Health problems plague her, with the family unaware of her current condition.

Lawmakers from both parties, like Senator Marco Rubio, have highlighted her case. Rubio’s efforts with the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act reflect ongoing advocacy.

“This isn’t partisan; it’s humanitarian,” Rushan emphasized.

Family Frustration with the Biden Administration

Gulshan’s imprisonment spans three U.S. administrations, with her family highlighting frustrations during the Biden presidency.

The administration secured several releases from China, but Gulshan’s status as a non-citizen left her case without specialized diplomatic channels. Despite multiple appeals to the administration, her case remained unresolved.

“Once they told us she was a priority, but she never came home,” Murat remarked.

The family felt neglected as others were released, despite assurances.

Expectations from Trump’s Return

The family draws hope from Trump’s history with similar negotiations, especially Pastor Ezra Jin Mingri’s release. Advocates believe a similar engagement could apply to Gulshan’s case.

Trump’s previous policies recognized the plight of Uyghurs, officially calling their treatment genocide. This background, coupled with developing legislative tools, increases expectancy for firm action.

“If anyone can negotiate with Xi, it’s Trump,” former National Security Council member Sarah Makin suggested.

Enos encourages broader negotiations to secure multiple releases, asserting U.S. influence in discussions with China.

Ultimately, Dr. Abbas’s family seeks her return. “We hope Xi will choose compassion,” Murat said, expressing a simple, heartfelt wish for her mother’s freedom.