S T A T E M E N T
by the Spokesperson on the sentencing of respected Uighur academic Ilham Tohti
“The EU condemns the life sentence for alleged “separatism” handed out today to Uighur economics professor Ilham Tohti, which is completely unjustified. The EU deplores that the due process of law was not respected, in particular with regard to the right to a proper defense. We call for his immediate and unconditional release as well as the release of all his supporters detained in relation to his case. We also urge the Chinese authorities to respect the rights of all persons belonging to minorities and their right to freedom of expression.”