China Punishes Uyghurs Over Uyghur-Language Songs, AP Reports

Authorities warn against listening to, sharing, or storing music deemed “problematic”

Uyghur Times | Dec 31, 2025

Key Points

• Chinese authorities in Uyghur homeland warned residents against listening to, downloading, or sharing Uyghur-language songs, according to the Associated Press.
  
• Officials identified seven categories of songs considered “problematic,” including music with religious references and songs accused of promoting separatism or extremism.
  
• AP reported cases of detention and prison sentences linked to possession or distribution of Uyghur music.
  

Overview

Chinese authorities in East Turkistan have threatened detention and prosecution for residents who listen to, download, or share Uyghur-language songs, the Associated Press reported, citing a recording of a police-led meeting held in Kashgar last October.

During the meeting, officials warned that music deemed “problematic” could result in detention or imprisonment if found on personal devices or shared online. Authorities did not specify exact penalties but cited examples of individuals held for up to 10 days.

The recording was shared exclusively with the AP by Uyghur Hjelp, a Norway-based nonprofit organization.

Background

According to the AP, officials identified seven categories of songs residents were instructed to avoid. These include music with religious references; songs accused of “distorting Uyghur history”; works alleged to promote separatism, terrorism, or extremism; music said to encourage resentment toward the government; and songs accused of promoting “filthy and dirty thoughts and behavior.”

Uyghur Times previously reported that Chinese authorities detained Uyghur musicians including Ablajan Awut Ayup, Shireli Eltikin, and Tursun Sheyikh.

Experts told the AP that the categories are defined so broadly that nearly any Uyghur-language song could be targeted in practice.

Among the examples cited by authorities was “Besh pede,” a well-known Uyghur folk ballad that includes references to God. Another was “Atilar” (“Forefathers”), a nationalistic song by renowned Uyghur musician Abdurehim Heyit, who was previously detained during the crackdown.

Impact

The AP reported that individuals found in possession of banned songs could face criminal penalties. In one documented case, a Uyghur music producer was sentenced to three years in prison for uploading dozens of songs deemed sensitive to a cloud music account.

Scholars interviewed by the AP said the targeting of music indicates that repression in East Turkistan continues, even as some visible measures such as large detention facilities appear less prominent.

“It’s the kind of thing that hasn’t stopped,” said Rian Thum, a lecturer in East Asian history at the University of Manchester, as quoted by the AP.

Reactions

Rachel Harris, a professor of ethnomusicology at SOAS University of London, told the AP that songs such as “Besh pede” are commonly misunderstood by authorities. She said the religious language in the song reflects romantic expression rather than extremism.

Uyghur singer and activist Rahima Mahmut, based in London, told the AP that music is central to Uyghur identity and culture, and that its suppression has deep social consequences.

Source Attribution:This report is based on reporting by the Associated Press.