Uyghur scholar at the Sakharov Prize appeals to the international community for support 19 December 5:20
The EU-European Parliament presented the “Sakharov Award” award ceremony in France for those who contributed to human rights protection activities. This year's winner was Iriham Tofti, a scholar who was detained and imprisoned by Chinese authorities, appealing for the rights of Chinese Uyghur ethnic minority.
The Uyghur economist who won the "Sahalov Award", Mr. Iriham Tofti (50) has long advocated for Uyghur rights, as well as harmony and mutual understanding with the Han, but for five years. He was previously detained by Chinese authorities, and later sentenced to life imprisonment for crimes that smashed the state.
The award ceremony held on the 18th at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, was attended by the daughter, Juhar, who lives in the United States, holding a picture of Mr. Iriham and received the award on his behalf.
“I don't know where my father is now, or even I am alive. Still, I ’m glad that I can speak on behalf of my father who ca n’t come here”.
Moreover, regarding the current situation of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, “Uighur people are denied even basic rights such as faith, language and culture, and there is no freedom. Some people have died or died, ”he called for support from the international community.