UK tribunal to hear witnesses on China genocide accusations

LONDON (AP) — An independent tribunal in Britain aiming to establish whether the Chinese government’s alleged rights abuses against Uighur Muslims in the far western Xinjiang region constitute genocide is expected to hear dozens of witness testimonies when it holds its first public hearing in London in May. Organizer Nick Vetch said Thursday a eight-member panel who will act as jury has been finalized. The tribunal, which does not have government backing, will be chaired by prominent human rights barrister Geoffrey Nice. Researchers for the tribunal were sifting through some 1,500 documents and pieces of evidence submitted from different countries. Some 30 witnesses and experts are expected to give evidence at the first public hearing, set for May 7 to May 10 in central London.