Wife of Imprisoned Uyghur Christian Appeals for International Help

China Aid Association

Alimujiang Yimiti

(XINJIANG – August 5, 2009) On July 28, imprisoned Uyghur Christian Alimujiang Yimiti stood trial at Kashi District Intermediate People’s Court in Xinjiang. Only the two attorneys representing Alimujiang, Li Dunyong and Liang Xiaojun, were allowed to attend the trial; his wife and mother were refused. The trial’s verdict is still pending.
Alimujiang Yimiti has been arbitrarily detained at Kashi Municipal Detention center since January 12, 2008, charged with “revealing state secrets or intelligence to overseas organizations.” However, ChinaAid contacts say the reason for his imprisonment is his Christian faith and witness among the Uyghur people.
According to eyewitnesses, on the day of the trial, police vehicles brought Alimujiang to the court as his wife Guli Nuer, their two children and Alimujiang’s mother waited at the gate of the courthouse. His family saw Alimujiang in the police vehicle, and he was able to raise his handcuffed hands, smile and wave to them. This was the first time Alimujiang and his family had seen each other since his detainment 18 months ago.
During the trial, the court openly used forged documents and accused Alimujiang, who had been the manager of a local legally approved foreign-owned agricultural company, of “revealing state secrets.” The court claimed a guilty verdict could be decided even without proving the validity and legality of the documents. According to sources, Alimujiang testified that he is innocent and that he is being persecuted for preaching Christianity. He insisted that if he were to be found guilty, he would certainly appeal. The judge told him that he could appeal the verdict in any way he was able.
Alimujiang wished to express his gratitude via his attorney to all the people who are concerned about him and to thank all the Christian brothers and sisters who are praying for him. He said he has become stronger because of God.
Alimujiang’s mother, who has been petitioning many of Kashi’s government authorities for her son’s case during the past several months, was very disappointed at the manner and attitude the court tried this case. According to ChinaAid contacts, in just a few days, she looked as if she had aged greatly. 
Alimujiang’s youngest son is three years old, and his eldest son is school-aged. Sources close to the family say his eldest son feels repressed, angry and terrified. Sources also say that Guli Nuer also felt disappointed, not expecting that such a wrongful case in which right and wrong would otherwise be clearly distinguished could become so difficult, and that right and wrong are so confused.
Some time before the court tried the case, Guli Nuer made inquiries to authorities at Xinjiang High Procuratorate who told her that the charge against Alimujiang of “illegally preaching Christianity” had been dropped, but they were certain that they would convict Alimujiang on the charge of “disclosing state secrets.”
According to ChinaAid sources, many people, including Christians of Han nationality in mainland China, have called Guli Nuer to express their concern and pray for Alimujiang. Guli told them that though she is disappointed with this trial, she is still depending on Jesus Christ, and therefore, has peace in her heart. She said will continue to pray for the final result of the trial. Guli also said she wants to express the gratitude of her family for all the people of the world who are concerned about this case, including the news media, other organizations and governments. She also thanks all the Christian brothers and sisters who pray for her own family, and said that it is the prayers from so many people that have sustained their family and have made her and Alimujiang strong, so that they continue to have peace and hope today.
The international community is monitoring Alimujiang’s case closely. The UK government, the European Commission, the European Union, the UN, the U.S. State Department and the U.S. Embassy in Beijing are involved in multilateral and bilateral human rights dialogues urging China to act according to international human rights laws that China has signed. The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention has investigated Alimujiang’s case, and issued Opinion No. 29/2008 on September 12, 2008, stating that Alimujiang Yimiti’s detention for more than one year is arbitrary and that the Chinese government should take the necessary steps to correct the situation.
Bob Fu, president of ChinaAid, stated, “Alimujiang’s case demonstrates that the conduct of the Kashi local government has reflected the policies of the Wang Lequan government by persecuting the innocent, while providing opportunities for Islamic extremists.  Alimujiang is a law-abiding Christian of Uyghur nationality and a peacemaker between the Han and Uyghur Chinese citizens. Since the July 5 riot in Xinjiang, it has become evident to the world that Xinjiang government authorities need peacemakers to help bring healing and hope to the region. We call on the Xinjiang authorities to recognize their wrongful actions against Alimjiang Yimiti and immediately release him without any charges.”

Bob Fu also stated that some overseas organizations have recently claimed that Xinjiang authorities charged Alimujiang with “disclosing state secrets” because Alimujiang has exposed the truth to overseas organizations of how people of Uyghur nationality are persecuted in Xinjiang. Bob Fu said that this claim is not based on facts and is irresponsible political hype.
ChinaAid calls on people of justice throughout the world to continue to show concern for and act in support of Alimjiang Yimiti.
Contact the following Chinese government offices and the Chinese embassy to express your concern for Alimujiang Yimiti and Wusiman Yiming. The Xinjiang offices are generally open 9 a.m. — 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. — 6 p.m. local time in China. Xinjiang Government Leadership Office Tel./Fax: +86-991-280-3226
Xinjiang Government Law Management Office Tel./Fax: +86-991-235-6033
Ambassador Zhou Wenzhong
3505 International Place, NW, Washington, D.C. 20008
Tel: (202) 495-2000
Fax: (202) 588-9760

NOTE: If you are a citizen of another country, please click here to find the contact information of the Chinese embassy in your own nation http://www.fmprc.gov.cn/eng/wjb/zwjg/2490/.


China Aid Contacts
Rachel Ritchie, English Media Director
Cell: (432) 553-1080 | Office: 1+ (888) 889-7757 | Other: (432) 689-6985
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.chinaaid.org

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Wife of Imprisoned Uyghur Christian Appeals for International Help

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