Rahile Dawut (Chinese: 热依拉·达吾提; pinyin: Rèyīlā Dáwútí; Uyghur: راھىلە داۋۇت; born May 20, 1966) is a Uyghur ethnographer known for her expertise in Uyghur folklore and traditions. Formerly a professor at Xinjiang University, where she founded the Minorities Folklore Research Centre, she was disappeared by the Chinese government in 2017 and has not been seen since.[1] In 2023, Rahile received a life sentence for "endangering state security".
Rahile Dawut | |
|---|---|
| Born | May 20, 1966 |
| Occupation | Anthropologist |
| Criminal charge | Offence of "endangering state security" |
| Criminal penalty | Life imprisonment |
Early life and career
An ethnic Uyghur from the Xinjiang Autonomous Region, Rahile was previously a member of the Chinese Communist Party for over 30 years. Prior to her detention, she taught at Xinjiang University, where she founded the Minorities Folklore Research Center in 2007 and served as its director.[2][3] Rahile has published a number of articles and books, and has also delivered lectures at universities internationally, including Harvard University and the University of Cambridge.[4][5]
Disappearance, trial and jailing
In December 2017, Rahile reportedly told a relative of her plans to travel from Ürümqi to Beijing, after which her family and friends lost contact with her. Rahile's family and friends announced her disappearance in August 2018.[1] By the end of 2018, it was known that she was in the hands of Chinese state authorities.[6] According to an article in The New York Times, Rahile was one of a number of prominent intellectuals targeted as part of China's campaign to erase Uyghur identity.[7] State authorities have not publicly disclosed Rahile's whereabouts.
Rahile's secret trial began in December 2018 in a Xinjiang court, where she was first found guilty of "endangering state security".[8] She was reportedly jailed for life as she lost her appeal against the charges in September 2023.[8][9][10] The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Mao Ning said she had "no information" on the case.[5][11]
Awards
Rahile was awarded the Courage to Think Award in 2020 by Scholars at Risk. The award was collected by her daughter Akida Pulat on her behalf.[2]
In October 2023, Michael Rosen, winner of the 2023 PEN Pinter Prize, chose Rahile Dawut as the "international writer of courage" with whom to share the award, selecting her from a shortlist of international writers "who have actively defended freedom of expression, often at risk to their own safety."[12]