Dear Mr. Party Secretary,
I am very worried about the imprisoned musician Yashar. On June 20, 2024, Yashar (Yaxia’er Xiaohelaiti亚夏尔-肖合拉提) was sentenced to three years in prison. The court found that the 26-year-old Uyghur musician was guilty of “promoting extremism” and “illegal possession of extremist material” for making music and reading books in his native Uyghur language. He was arrested in August 2023 and is currently being held at Wusu Prison in Xinjiang.
His continued detention could further deteriorate Yashar’s health. He suffers from bronchitis and needs to take medication regularly, although it is unknown whether he is receiving the necessary medical care.
Yashar was reportedly convicted solely for playing music and reading books in Uyghur. For many Uyghurs, these books are essential to understanding their history and identity, which is why the classification of the books as problematic or even “extremist” is highly questionable. Yashar is being punished solely for exercising his rights to cultural identity and freedom of expression.
I therefore ask you to call for Yaxia’er Xiaohelaiti, also known as Yashar, to be released immediately and unconditionally.
Please ensure that he receives regular and appropriate medical care and is not subjected to torture or ill-treatment.
Please ensure that Uyghur artists can express their identities without fear of persecution or arbitrary detention.
Best regards
**Does the Chinese government’s definition of ”extremism” as applied in Yashar’s case align with international standards of human rights and freedom of expression?**
## World Today News Investigates: The Imprisonment of Uyghur Musician Yashar
**Introduction:**
Welcome to World Today News. Today, we delve into the deeply concerning case of Uyghur musician Yashar, recently sentenced to three years in prison for alleged “promotion of extremism” through his music and access to Uyghur literature. We are joined by two distinguished guests: **[Guest 1 Name and Expertise]** and **[Guest 2 Name and Expertise]**.
**Section 1: Understanding the Case**
**(To Guest 1)** The article details Yashar’s conviction for “promoting extremism” through his music and reading. Can you shed light on the specific content that led to these charges, and how they relate to larger concerns regarding freedom of expression in the region?
**(To Guest 2)** What legal precedents or definitions of extremism exist in this context? Do you believe Yashar’s actions align with these definitions?
**Section 2: Cultural Identity and Suppression**
**(To Guest 1)** The article emphasizes the significance of Uyghur language and literature for cultural preservation. How does Yashar’s case reflect broader trends of cultural suppression within the Uyghur community?
**(To Guest 2)** Can you elaborate on the potential impact of such restrictions on cultural expression and identity formation within the Uyghur population?
**Section 3: Human Rights and International Response**
**(To Guest 1)** The letter writer urges for Yashar’s immediate release and access to medical care. What are the potential consequences of prolonged detention, particularly for someone with pre-existing health conditions like Yashar?
**(To Guest 2)** How can the international community effectively advocate for Yashar’s release and address the broader concerns raised by his case? What mechanisms can be used to hold responsible parties accountable?
**Section 4: Looking Ahead**
**(To Both Guests)**
What steps can be taken to ensure the safety and well-being of Uyghur artists and intellectuals who are exercising their fundamental rights?
How can we foster a more inclusive and respectful environment where cultural expression is celebrated rather than suppressed?
**Closing:**
We thank our guests for their insightful commentary on this important issue. The case of Yashar serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by Uyghur communities and the vital need to safeguard human rights and cultural freedom worldwide.
