By Tursunjan
An international campaign has been launched in Brussels to nominate the imprisoned Uyghur scholar Ilham Tohti for the Nobel Peace Prize. Ilham Tohti, an outspoken Uyghur economics professor, was sentenced to life in prison in 2014 on charges related to his advocacy for Uyghur rights. Over 180 high-level officials and experts from various countries have nominated Tohti, citing his role as “the true symbol of the Uyghur people’s fight for freedom” amidst China’s crackdown in the Uyghur homeland. The nomination aims to draw attention to Tohti’s peaceful efforts and put pressure on Beijing to confirm his well-being. The initiative represents a broad international coalition, including political leaders, academics, and human rights advocates. Tohti’s daughter supports the campaign, highlighting its potential impact on the recognition of her father’s work and the broader struggle for Uyghur rights. The international community sees the nomination as an opportunity to condemn China’s human rights abuses and underscore the importance of peace, dignity, and freedom.
Samuel Cogolati, a Belgian politician and member of the Chamber of Representatives who is also one of the strongest advocates for the nomination and Uyghur human rights, told the South China Morning Post, “My main emphasis is that I really don’t care about the sanctions imposed by China. What truly matters to me is that the mass atrocities, the mass camps against the people in the Uyghur region, come to an end.”
