Uyghur Academic Receives Life Sentence in Chinese Prison

China has reportedly sentenced a prominent Uyghur academic, Rahile Dawut, to life imprisonment for "endangering state security." Dawut's appeal against a previous sentence was rejected, according to human rights group Dui Hua Foundation. The Chinese government has faced accusations of crimes against humanity against the Uyghur population and other Muslim ethnic groups in Xinjiang. It is believed that over a million Uyghurs have been detained against their will in re-education camps, and hundreds of thousands have been given prison terms. The sentencing of Rahile Dawut has been described as a tragedy and a loss for academic freedom by the Dui Hua Foundation's executive director. Dawut's daughter has called for her release, expressing concern about her mother's well-being. Dawut, an expert on Uyghur folklore and traditions, was teaching at Xinjiang University College of Humanities before her arrest. She is among a growing list of Uyghur intellectuals who have been detained since 2016. The US and various human rights groups have accused China of genocide in Xinjiang, while China denies the allegations. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson stated that they had no information on Dawut's case. Xinjiang is home to approximately 12 million Uyghurs, mostly Muslims. Recent BBC reports have revealed China's use of re-education camps and the shoot-to-kill policy for those attempting to escape.