In a deeply disconcerting development, reports have emerged of the sentencing of Rahile Dawut, a distinguished Uyghur professor who vanished from public view six years ago. Chinese authorities have purportedly condemned her to a life behind bars on charges of “endangering state security.”
Dawut, aged 57, a preeminent expert in the realms of Uyghur folklore and traditions, found herself bereft of recourse after her appeal against her 2018 conviction for promoting “splittism” was unsuccessful. This disquieting revelation comes to light through the diligent efforts of the US-based Dui Hua Foundation, a prominent human rights organization that has tirelessly sought her whereabouts.
In their statement, the Dui Hua Foundation conveyed that the information regarding Dawut’s sentence had been relayed by a Chinese official. They now endeavor to ascertain additional details concerning her whereabouts, her physical well-being, and her fundamental right to maintain contact with her family.
John Kamm, the Executive Director of Dui Hua, lamented, “The sentencing of Professor Rahile Dawut to life in prison is a cruel tragedy, a great loss for the Uyghur people, and for all who treasure academic freedom. I call for her immediate release and safe return to her family.”
Dawut’s plight is emblematic of a broader trend. She is believed to be among the ranks of more than 300 Uyghur intellectuals who have faced detention, arrest, and imprisonment since 2016. Alarmingly, an estimated 1.5 million Uyghur individuals languish in “re-education” camps.
At the time of her apprehension in December 2017, Dawut held a teaching position at the Xinjiang University College of Humanities. She had also played a pivotal role in establishing the Ethnic Minorities Research Centre in 2007.
Beyond the grim specter of life imprisonment, Dawut will be permanently stripped of her political rights, as affirmed by the Dui Hua Foundation.
Dawut’s academic affiliations with esteemed institutions, including Harvard, Cornell, British Columbia, Pennsylvania, Washington, Indiana, and Cambridge, have rallied behind the plea to Chinese authorities for her release.
In an emotional appeal through the Dui Hua Foundation, Dawut’s daughter, Akeda Pulati, beseeched the Chinese government, stating, “I worry about my mother every single day. The thought of my innocent mother having to spend her life in prison brings unbearable pain. China, show your mercy and release my innocent mother.”
