November 26, 2024
2 mins read

Global outcry over imprisoned Uyghur musician’s health 

Yaxia’er Xiaohelaiti suffers from chronic bronchitis and is reportedly in serious health danger due to inadequate medical care in Wusu Prison, where he is being detained…reports Asian Lite News

An international outcry has erupted over the case of Yashar (Yaxia’er Xiaohelaiti), a 26-year-old Uyghur songwriter and musician, who is currently serving a three-year prison sentence in China’s Xinjiang region. 

Yashar was convicted on 20 June 2024, for “promoting extremism” and “illegally possessing extremist materials” due to his music and possession of Uyghur-language books. 

He suffers from chronic bronchitis and is reportedly in serious health danger due to inadequate medical care in Wusu Prison, where he is being detained. His condition requires regular medication, but there are widespread concerns that he is not receiving the necessary treatment. Yashar’s plight comes amid increasing global attention on the treatment of Uyghur cultural figures in China. 

Human rights advocates argue that these charges are part of a broader crackdown on Uyghur cultural expression under the guise of countering terrorism and extremism. 

Yashar’s case highlights the increasing risks faced by Uyghur artists, many of whom are targeted simply for expressing their ethnic identity through music, literature, and other cultural outlets. 

The musician was arrested on August 11, 2023, by municipal authorities in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, after participating in the White Paper Movement, a series of protests against China’s strict COVID-19 lockdowns following a deadly fire in Urumqi, Xinjiang. 

During these protests, Yashar joined others in holding blank sheets of paper to symbolize opposition to censorship. 

The charges against Yashar primarily relate to his Uyghur-language music, which he shared online, and his possession of books written in the Uyghur language–materials that many Uyghurs view as vital to understanding their cultural history. These materials, however, have been labelled “extremist” by the Chinese authorities, fueling concerns over the criminalization of cultural expression. 

Since 2017, China has launched an extensive crackdown on the Uyghur population, labelling their cultural and religious practices as signs of extremism. 

Human rights organisations, including Amnesty International, have condemned these actions, which are considered by many to be crimes against humanity. More than a million Uyghur Muslims are believed to have been detained in Xinjiang’s internment camps, where they have faced torture, forced labor, and various forms of abuse. 

Yashar’s case is a stark example of the broader repression faced by Uyghur artists and intellectuals. Many in the Uyghur community live in constant fear of arrest for expressing their cultural identity, leading to widespread self-censorship. 

In response to Yashar’s arrest and detention, human rights advocates are calling for his immediate release, along with the provision of urgent medical care. An international action appeal has been launched, urging global leaders and organizations to press the Chinese government for Yashar’s release and to ensure his health and safety. Additionally, there are calls for an end to the persecution of Uyghur cultural figures and the removal of arbitrary restrictions on Uyghur cultural practices. (ANI) 

ALSO READ: Jaishankar opens Indian Embassy’s new chancery in Rome 

Previous Story

Clashes erupt as PTI protest reaches Islamabad 

Next Story

PM Modi faces a world on the edge of WWIII 

Latest from -Top News

Pezeshkian’s Pak Pitch Begins

Pezeshkian’s visit marks the second time an Iranian president has visited Pakistan in less than two years Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian arrived in Pakistan on Saturday for a two-day official visit, marking

‘Water Bomb’ on Brahmaputra?

Experts say the dam project could alter the river’s natural flow and place downstream nations at risk of floods and droughts. The construction of a mega hydropower dam by China on the

Pakistan in the Dark: Power Crisis Boils Over

Regular power outages are a fact of life in Pakistan, but recent developments suggest that the situation is escalating to new extremes….writes Nasir Khattak In early January 2025, a nerve-breaking power outage

Modi, MBZ talk big ties

The call reaffirmed their keenness to “strengthen relations in line with their shared vision to leverage opportunities and deepen strategic cooperation.”…reports Asian Lite News In a significant diplomatic engagement, Prime Minister Narendra
Go toTop

Don't Miss

The self-crowning of Xi Jinping

The Communist Party of China (CCP) unsurprisingly adopted the resolution

Raab slams China for ‘targeting dissenting voices’ in HK

In April, the pro-Beijing Ta Kung Pao newspaper published a