GENEVA – October 1, 2025 — United Nations human rights experts have condemned China’s escalating crackdown on Uyghur cultural expression, naming jailed Uyghur artist Yashar Shohret (Uigga) and disappeared scholar Rahile Dawut as emblematic victims.
“These cases reflect deeply troubling patterns where cultural identity, artistic creativity, and academic work are treated as threats to national security,” the experts said. “The right to freely express and participate in cultural life, without discrimination or fear, is a cornerstone of human rights.”
Artist Sentenced for Uyghur Music
Yashar Shohret, in Chinese Yaxia’er Xiaohelaiti, 26, known by his stage name Uigga, was sentenced in 2024 to three years in prison for “promoting extremism” and “possessing extremist materials.” Authorities cited his Uyghur-language lyrics and books as evidence. Rights groups say his music simply gave voice to Uyghur roots.
“The creation and sharing of art, in all its forms, is a vital part of the right to take part in cultural life. States must not suppress music, literature, or language as a means of silencing cultural identities,” the UN experts stressed.
Scholar Rahile Dawut Forcibly Disappeared
Rahile Dawut, a renowned ethnographer, was forcibly disappeared in 2017 and later secretly sentenced to life imprisonment for alleged separatism. Her fate and location remain unacknowledged.
“Enforced disappearance is an extremely serious violation of several human rights… When committed systematically they amount to crimes against humanity,” the experts warned.
Broad Laws Used to Silence Minorities
The UN experts also highlighted China’s 2015 Counter-Terrorism Law and Xinjiang De-Extremification Regulation, saying these laws are used to criminalise cultural and religious expression.
“These frameworks risk silencing not only cultural life, but the imagination and freedom of entire communities,” they said. “Cultural expression of minorities is not a crime. It must never be conflated with extremism or terrorism.”
The experts confirmed they have raised these cases directly with Chinese authorities.
