Xinjiang residents, firms sue German researcher

Enterprises and residents in the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region are suing a German researcher, claiming he spread rumors about "forced labor" that have damaged their reputation and caused economic losses, a news website in the region reported on Tuesday.

A lawsuit has been filed against Adrian Zenz at a court in Xinjiang by an appointed lawyer. The lawsuit demands that Zenz apologize, rehabilitate their reputation and pay damages, ts.cn reported.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian expressed support for the lawsuit on Tuesday, saying that the lawful action they took against Zenz reflected the public's increasing awareness of the rule of law and rights protection.