Exiled Uighurs call on ICC to investigate Chinese 'genocide' in Xinjiang

Activist group submits evidence to international court accusing Xi Jinping and other Beijing officials of crimes against humanity

A group of Uighurs in exile has submitted evidence to the international criminal court, calling for an investigation into senior Chinese officials, including Xi Jinping, for genocide and crimes against humanity.

The submission made on Monday by lawyers based in London on behalf of two activists groups marks the first time advocates have attempted to use international law against China over allegations of widespread human rights violations in Xinjiang, the far north-western territory of China where Uighur and other minority groups are detained and surveilled en masse.