Rahile Dawut
Born (1966-05-20) May 20, 1966 (age 57)
Xinjiang
OccupationAnthropologist
Criminal chargeOffence of "endangering state security"
Criminal penaltyLife imprisonment

Rahile Dawut (Chinese: 热依拉·达吾提; pinyin: Rèyīlā Dáwútí; Uyghur: راھىلە داۋۇت; born May 20, 1966) is an Uyghur ethnographer known for her expertise in Uyghur folklore and traditions. Formerly a professor at Xinjiang University, where she founded the Minorities Folklore Research Centre, she was disappeared by the Chinese government in 2017 and has not been seen since.[1] In 2023, Rahile received a life sentence for "endangering state security".

Early life and career

An ethnic Uyghur from the Xinjiang Autonomous Region, Rahile was previously a member of the Chinese Communist Party for over 30 years. Prior to her detention, she taught at Xinjiang University, where she founded the Minorities Folklore Research Center in 2007 and served as its director.[2][3] Rahile has published a number of articles and books, and has also delivered lectures at universities internationally, including Harvard University and the University of Cambridge.[4][5]

Disappearance, trial and jailing

In December 2017, Rahile reportedly told a relative of her plans to travel from Ürümqi to Beijing, after which her family and friends lost contact with her. Rahile's family and friends announced her disappearance in August 2018.[1] By the end of 2018, it was known that she was in the hands of Chinese state authorities.[6] According to an article in The New York Times, Rahile was one of a number of prominent intellectuals targeted as part of China's campaign to erase Uyghur identity.[7] State authorities have not publicly disclosed Rahile's whereabouts.

Rahile's secret trial began in December 2018 in a Xinjiang court, where she was first found guilty of "endangering state security".[8] She was reportedly jailed for life as she lost her appeal against the charges in September 2023.[8][9][10] The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Mao Ning said she had "no information" on the case.[5][11]

Awards

Rahile was awarded the Courage to Think Award in 2020 by Scholars at Risk. The award was collected by her daughter Akida Pulat on her behalf.[2]

In October 2023, Michael Rosen, winner of the 2023 PEN Pinter Prize, chose Rahile Dawut as the "international writer of courage" with whom to share the award, selecting her from a shortlist of international writers "who have actively defended freedom of expression, often at risk to their own safety."[12]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b "Rahile Dawut, China". Scholars at Risk. 16 April 2019. Retrieved 24 September 2023.
  2. ^ a b Ingram, Ruth (23 November 2020). "Where Is Uyghur Folklore Expert Rahile Dawut?". The Diplomat. Retrieved 23 November 2020.
  3. ^ "Prof. Rahile Dawut Xinjiang University, China: "Mapping the Sacred Landscape: Uighur Mazars in Xinjiang"". Harvard University. 21 September 2016. Retrieved November 23, 2020.
  4. ^ "Uyghur Scholar Rahile Dawut Named Honorary Professor in the Humanities by the Open Society University Network". Bard College. 8 December 2020. Retrieved 29 April 2021.
  5. ^ a b "China sentences Uyghur scholar to life in jail". BBC News. 23 September 2023. Retrieved 23 September 2023.
  6. ^ Buckley, Chris; Ramzy, Austin (10 August 2018). "Star Scholar Disappears as Crackdown Engulfs Western China". The New York Times. Retrieved November 23, 2020.
  7. ^ Ramzy, Austin (5 January 2019). "China Targets Prominent Uighur Intellectuals to Erase an Ethnic Identity". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on 13 December 2019. Retrieved 23 November 2020.
  8. ^ a b Richardson, Sophie (22 September 2023). "Chinese Court Imposes Life Sentence on Uyghur Scholar". Human Rights Watch. Retrieved 24 September 2023.
  9. ^ "Life Sentence for Professor Rahile Dawut Confirmed". The Dui Hua Foundation. 21 September 2023. Retrieved 22 September 2023.
  10. ^ Scott, Liam (21 September 2023). "Acclaimed Uyghur Folklorist Rahile Dawut's Life Sentence Confirmed". VOA. Retrieved 22 September 2023.
  11. ^ Kang, Dake (23 September 2023). "A court in China sentences a famed Uyghur scholar to life in prison, foundation says". AP News. Retrieved 23 September 2023.
  12. ^ Knight, Lucy (11 October 2023). "Imprisoned Uyghur academic named 2023 PEN international writer of courage". The Guardian.
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