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Ilham Tohti

Uyghur economist and Human Rights activist

Key facts

Born: ( 1969-10-25 ) October 25, 1969 (age 56) , Artush , Xinjiang , China
Alma mater: Northeast Normal University (BA), Minzu University of China (MA)
Occupations: University Lecturer, Economist, Blogger
Known for: Critique of the Chinese Communist Party policies in Xinjiang , repression of the Uyghur ethnic minority in China
Criminal charge: Offence of "splitting the state" Separatism
Criminal penalty: Life sentence
Spouse: Guzailai Nu'er(China)
Children: Jewher Ilham (United States)
Awards: Freedom Award (2019) Sakharov Prize (2019) Václav Havel Human Rights Prize (2019)

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Article

Ilham Tohti (Uyghur: ئىلھام توختى; Chinese: 伊力哈木·土赫提; pinyin: Yīlìhāmù Tǔhètí; born October 25, 1969) is a Uyghur economist currently serving a life sentence in China, on separatism-related charges. He is a vocal advocate for the implementation of regional autonomy laws in China. In 2006 he founded Uyghur Online, a website that discusses Uyghur issues, and is known for his research on Uyghur-Han relations. Ilham was summoned from his Beijing home and detained shortly after the July 2009 Ürümqi riots for his criticism of the Chinese government's policies toward Uyghurs in Xinjiang. Ilham was released on August 23 after international pressure and condemnation. He was arrested again in January 2014 and imprisoned after a two-day trial. Ilham has received the PEN/Barbara Goldsmith Freedom to Write Award (2014), the Martin Ennals Award (2016), the Václav Havel Human Rights Prize (2019), and the Sakharov Prize (2019). Ilham is viewed as a moderate and believes that Xinjiang should be granted autonomy according to democratic principles.

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