A US immigration judge on Wednesday granted asylum to Guan Heng, a 38-year-old Chinese man who fled his country after filming and publishing evidence of alleged human rights abuses against Uyghurs in Xinjiang.
Guan had been held in detention by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement since August, raising serious concerns among supporters that he might be deported to China, where activists said he faced likely persecution.
His lawyer, Chen Chuangchuang, described the decision as recognition of Guan’s “extraordinary moral courage” and said it deserved protection from the US government.
“We have been deeply moved and are thankful for everyone’s concern and support,” Chen told AFP.
Support from Congress and activists
In December, Raja Krishnamoorthi, the top Democrat on the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, wrote to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem urging approval of Guan’s asylum claim.
He stated that the United States carries a legal responsibility to shield those fleeing persecution by authoritarian regimes.
Guan remains in detention for now. The Department of Homeland Security has 30 days to decide whether to appeal the ruling.
Relief for family after anxious wait
Guan’s mother, Luo Yun, called the outcome “unbelievable” and said she was extremely happy.
She spoke with her son shortly after the decision and said he felt overwhelmed with relief.
“He had been very anxious and unsettled ahead of today’s hearing,” she said.
In late 2021, Guan released a 20-minute video online showing his visits to locations in Xinjiang identified by a BuzzFeed investigation as possible detention facilities for Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities.
He left China after the filming and eventually reached the United States via South America.
Beijing has faced international accusations of detaining more than a million Uyghurs and other Muslims since 2017 in what the United Nations has described as potential crimes against humanity.
China strongly rejects the claims, insisting its measures in Xinjiang have eliminated extremism and promoted economic progress.
If released, Luo said her first wish is simple: to go shopping together at a large supermarket and walk hand-in-hand with her son through the aisles.
