China ― The family of a Uyghur Christian is frustrated with the blatant injustice of his trial, China Aid Association reports. The Kashi District Intermediate People's Court in Xinjiang openly used forged documents to accuse Alimujiang Yimiti of "revealing state secrets or intelligence to overseas organizations" and claimed it didn't have to prove the documents were valid. The verdict in the case is still pending.Yimiti's wife, Guli Nuer, their two children, and Yimiti's mother were not allowed to be present at the trial. However, Yimiti was able to smile and wave to them from a police vehicle, despite his handcuffed hands, outside the gate of the courthouse. It was the first time his family had seen him since he was arbitrarily detained at Kashi Municipal Detention Center on January 12, 2008 - 18 months ago.
Only Li Dunyong and Liang Xiaojun, the two attorneys representing Alimujiang, were allowed to attend the trial.
Alimujiang testified that he was innocent of the charge, that the charges resulted from his evangelistic activity, and that he will appeal a guilty verdict. He also expressed his gratitude for the prayers and support of others.
Yimiti's wife, Guli, also expressed appreciationl to many Christians from all over China, including Han Chinese, who have called to express their prayers and support. She and Alimujiang have two sons -- one who is three years old and another who is school-aged.
The older son "feels repressed, angry and terrified," sources have told China Aid, and "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."
Alimujiang's mother is also frustrated, having spent months petitioning authorities in the Kashi District on behalf of her son. Friends say she aged visibly during the disappointment of the recent trial.
The international community is monitoring the situation. China Aid's Bob Fu is concerned about reports from some overseas organizations that the accusations actually stem from Alimujiang's advocacy against the mistreatment of the Uyghur nationality in Xinjiang. "Bob Fu said that this claim is not based on facts and is irresponsible political hype," CAA reports.
"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," Fu said. "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 Alimujiang Yimiti and immediately release him without any charges."
Contact your Chinese embassy to express your concern for Alimujiang Yimiti and Wusiman Yiming.
