Statement by the High Representative on the 10th anniversary of the sentencing of Sakharov Prize winner Ilham Tohti

Ten years ago today, on 23 September 2014, Uyghur economist and human rights activist Ilham Tohti was sentenced to life in prison on alleged separatism-related charges. For more than two decades, he worked tirelessly to foster dialogue and understanding between Uyghurs and Han Chinese. For his dedication and advocacy, he was awarded the European Parliament Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought in 2019.

The imprisonment of Ilham Tohti is representative of the deeply worrying human rights situation in Xinjiang that was highlighted in numerous reports by UN Treaty Bodies and Special Rapporteurs, and in particular the 2022 assessment report by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. The EU has repeatedly called on the government of China to respect, protect and fulfil human rights for all, including Uyghurs, Tibetans and persons belonging to national or ethnic, linguistic and religious groups and minorities in China.

The EU reiterates its calls for the immediate and unconditional release of Ilham Tohti and other human rights defenders, lawyers and intellectuals who are arbitrarily detained in China.