World news story

EU statement on the sentencing of Uighur academic Ilham Tohti

EU statement by the Spokesperson on the sentencing of respected Uighur academic Ilham Tohti.

• From: British Embassy Beijing
• Published: 23 September 2014

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

EU statement on the sentencing of Uighur academic Ilham Tohti

The EU condemns the life sentence for alleged “separatism” handed out today to Uighur economics professor Ilham Tohti, which is completely unjustified.

The EU deplores that the due process of law was not respected, in particular with regard to the right to a proper defence.

We call for his immediate and unconditional release as well as the release of all his supporters detained in relation to his case.

We also urge the Chinese authorities to respect the rights of all persons belonging to minorities and their right to freedom of expression.

Published 23 September 2014