Prominent Uyghur Professor Rahile Dawut Sentenced to Life in Prison for 'Endangering State Security'

A Uyghur professor, Rahile Dawut, renowned for her expertise in Uyghur folklore and traditions, has reportedly been sentenced to life in prison by Chinese authorities on charges of "endangering state security."

This sentencing follows her 2018 conviction for promoting "splittism," as disclosed by the US-based human rights group, Dui Hua Foundation. Despite an appeal, Dawut's sentence remains unchanged. Dui Hua Foundation has been actively searching for her whereabouts and seeks more information regarding her condition, health, and the possibility of contact with her family.

John Kamm, the executive director of Dui Hua, condemns her sentencing, emphasizing the loss to academic freedom and calling for her immediate release and safe return to her family.