Ilham Tohti has been found guilty of separatism and was sentenced to a life-time imprisonment. Ilham Tohti has never been hesitant when it came to voicing out his opinions on China's policies towards the Muslim Uighur minority in the restive Xinjiang region in China. However, he denied that he was a separatist.
Ilham Tohti is actually a very prominent Uighur scholar, but despite his education, a court in China still sentenced him for life, according to Tohti's lawyer.
As reported by correspondents, China is presently taking a much tougher hand when it comes to the rising Xingjian-linked violence that the nation is currently experiencing. Amnesty International has referred to Ilham Tohti's verdict as "deplorable." Moreover, the US, EU, and United Nations have all been calling towards China for Ilham Tohti's release.
The Intermediate Court of the Urumqi People found Ilham Tohti guilty after having a trial that lasted for two days only. The trial proceedings ended just last week. Plus, the verdict also included all of Ilham Tohti's money and properties to be seized.
Tohti's attorney, Li Fangping, informed BBC Chinese that he will be filing for an appeal soon. He said, "He told us that no matter the verdict, he will not be angry nor seek revenge. No matter whether he is in jail or if he is freed in the future, he will still advocate for dialogue between Uighurs and Han Chinese."
In fact, the last words that Ilham Tohti uttered before he was dragged by the police from the courtroom were, "I won't give in."
Ilham Tohti's imprisonment caused outrage in many areas all over the world. According to multiple online reports, calling for independence is illegal and is always paired with severe punishment, particularly if the offender belongs to the Uighur community, which is a minority in China.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
