TAKE ACTION FOR AIUSA'S BANNED BOOKS WEEK

Uyghur Songwriter Sentenced to Three Years for His Rap Lyrics and Books in His Possession

Yashar, also known as Yaxia'er Xiaohelaiti (亚夏尔·肖合拉提) is a 27-year-old Uyghur songwriter and rap artist who was residing in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, when he was detained on August 11, 2023. Authorities charged him with “promoting extremism” and “illegally possessing extremist materials” reportedly for his music, which he published on the Internet, and his possession of Uyghur-language books. It appears he is being punished solely for exercising his right to explore his own culture and to freely express his views.

There are also concerns that his health may deteriorate in prison. He suffers from bronchitis and requires regular medication, and it is unknown whether he is receiving the medical attention he requires.

Urge Party Secretary of Xinjiang, Ma Xingrui, to immediately release Yaxia'er Xiaohelaiti, also known as Yashar - send your email to Chinese Ambassador Xie Fang using our email-writing tool.

YOUR INFORMATION

First Name

Last Name

Email Address

Address

Apt., Ste., Bldg.

City

State

Postal Code

Country

Phone Number (Optional)

By providing your mobile number, you are signing up to receive calls, recurring messages from Amnesty International USA at 213-33. Repy STOP to quit. Msg and data rates may apply. Privacy & Terms.

Postal Address Sharing

Do not exchange my postal address with other organizations.

Customize your message

Ambassador

Xie

Fang

Chinese Embassy in the United States

Dear Party Secretary of Xinjiang, Ma Xingrui,

I am writing to express my alarm regarding the case of Yashar (Yaxia'er Xiaohelaiti 亚夏尔·肖合拉提), a Uyghur songwriter and musician. On June 20, 2024, the city court in Bole determined that he was guilty of “promoting extremism” and “illegally possessing extremist material.” He is currently serving a three-year sentence in Wusu Prison, Xinjiang.

The charges against Yashar seem to be based solely on the lyrics of his music, which he published on the Internet, as well as Uyghur-language books that he purchased. The classification of these books as “extremist” appears to be unfounded. It is clear that Yashar is being punished solely for exercising his right to explore his own culture and to freely express his views through his music.

There are also serious concerns that this imprisonment places Yashar’s health at real risk of deterioration. He suffers from bronchitis and requires regular medication,and it is unknown whether he is receiving the medical attention he needs.

I urge you to:

-Immediately and unconditionally release Yaxia'er Xiaohelaiti, also known as Yashar;
    
    -Provide Yashar with regular, appropriate medical care and ensure he is not subjected to torture or other ill treatment while in custody;
    
    -Ensure that Uyghur artists can express their identity without fear of persecution or arbitrary detention.

Yours sincerely,
{user_data~First Name} {user_data~Last Name}