In London, human rights activists, academics and jurists are taking part in what's being called a "Uygur Tribunal." Organizers said the event is an unbiased, independent investigation into allegations of "genocide" against Muslim populations in China's Xinjiang region. 

"It is indeed a 'kangaroo court' and an illegitimate and illegal operation," said Victor Gao, chair professor at Soochow University, adding that "the barrister is debasing himself and destroy his credibility and decency in front of the world."

Meanwhile, Beijing has strongly denied accusations of genocide in Xinjiang and criticized the tribunal as neither legal nor credible, citing the tribunal's ties to anti-China groups promoting separatism in Xinjiang.