9 Oct 2009

University cancels Uighur leader meeting

7:47 am on 9 October 2009

Auckland University has cancelled a meeting with the exiled Uighur leader Rebiya Kadeer citing security concerns.

Ms Kadeer is due to arrive in the country on Monday for a four day visit to highlight the plight of Uighur people in the western part of China, who she says have been the subject of oppression by the Chinese Government.

But the university has cancelled a meeting on campus on Tuesday, saying it is not in a position to provide the appropriate levels of support and security for those attending.

The talk has now been moved to a new venue, the Pioneer Womens' Hall in central Auckland.

Green MP Keith Locke says he suspects, but cannot prove, that the Chinese Government put pressure on the university to cancel the meeting.