We Uyghurs Have No Say: An Imprisoned Writer Speaks

Ilham Tohti is an imprisoned Uyghur intellectual and economist who has been sentenced to life in re-education camps in Xinjiang, China. This book is a collection of his words, including calls for justice, scholarly explanations of the history of Xinjiang, and personal reflections. Tohti has been called a Uyghur Mandela.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 15 March 2022
Publisher: Verso Books

In the vast northwest region of China, known as Xinjiang, the government has incarcerated over a million Uyghurs in re-education camps. Among those held captive is Ilham Tohti, an intellectual and economist, a prolific writer, and formerly the host of a website called Uyghur Online. In 2014, Tohti's life took a drastic turn when he was arrested and accused of advocating separatism, violence, and the overthrow of the Chinese government. He underwent a two-day trial and received a life sentence. Since then, there has been no news or communication from Tohti.

Tohti's words, collected in this book, offer a unique perspective on the situation in Xinjiang. They include his passionate calls for justice, scholarly explanations of the history of the region, and poignant personal reflections. While his courage and outspokenness about the plight of China's Muslim minorities are extraordinary, his essays also convey a measured insistence on peace and just treatment for the Uyghurs.

Tohti's story is a testament to the human cost of political repression. He has been labeled a Uyghur Mandela, a reference to the iconic South African anti-apartheid leader Nelson Mandela. However, Tohti's imprisonment is not just a matter of political persecution. It reflects the broader challenges faced by minority communities in China, where they face systemic discrimination, surveillance, and violence.

This book is a powerful testament to the resilience and determination of the Uyghur people. It provides a rare glimpse into the lives of those who have been silenced and marginalized by the Chinese government. It is a call to action for the international community to take a stand against the ongoing human rights violations in Xinjiang and to support the rights and dignity of all minority communities in China.

In conclusion, Ilham Tohti's book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complex situation in Xinjiang and the ongoing struggle for human rights in China. It is a powerful testament to the resilience and determination of the Uyghur people and a call to action for the international community to support their rights and dignity.

Weight: 186g
Dimension: 140 x 209 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781839764042