Uyghur scholar and rights advocate Ilham Tohti was indicted recently on charges of \u201cseparatism,\u201d which can carry the death penalty in China. <\/p>\n
August 1, 2014<\/p>\n
(Washington, DC)\u2014Uyghur scholar and rights advocate Ilham Tohti was indicted recently on charges of \u201cseparatism,\u201d which can carry the death penalty in China. The Chairman and Cochairman of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC) today commend Ilham Tohti\u2019s efforts to build understanding and dialogue between ethnic minority groups and urge the Chinese government to drop all charges against him.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are concerned about the indictment of Ilham Tohti on charges of separatism,\u201d said Senator Sherrod Brown, CECC Chairman. \u201cFar from posing a threat, Ilham Tohti has worked to build bridges among ethnic groups. He is the sort of thoughtful advocate the Chinese government should engage, not imprison. By listening to and respecting the rights of citizens like Ilham Tohti, China can involve all of its people in dealing with the most important problems of the day. But first, President Xi and China\u2019s leaders must view these citizens not as threats but as people who want what\u2019s best for their country. We urge China to drop all charges and release Ilham Tohti.\u201d <\/p>\n
\u201cIlham Tohti\u2019s indictment is a clear sign that President Xi\u2019s \u2018China Dream\u2019 does not apply to ethnic minorities,\u201d said Congressman Chris Smith, CECC Cochairman. \u201cIlham Tohti sought to bridge the divide between ethnic groups, peacefully promoting dialogue and understanding, and for this he is given the outrageous charge of separatism. Jailing moderate voices will not create stability in restive ethnic minority areas, it only breeds more discontent. Uyghurs, Tibetans, and Mongolians should be given a way to shape policies that affect them and preserves their unique religions, cultures, and languages. Sadly, the silencing of voices like Ilham Tohti worsens the prospects for peace and prosperity for Han and Uyghur alike. \u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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