![\"Ilham](\"http:\/\/www.chinesepen.org\/english\/files\/2014\/09\/e4bc8ae58a9be59388e69ca8.jpg\")
<\/a>\nILHAM TOHTI, TEACHING ECONOMICS AT MINZHU UNIVERSITY IN BEIJING.<\/p>\n
My outcries are for our people and, even more, for the future of China.<\/p>\n
Before entering prison, I kept worrying I wouldn\u2019t be able to deal with the harshness inside. I worried I would betray my conscience, career, friends and family. I made it!<\/p>\n
The upcoming life in prison is not something I\u2019ve experienced, but it will nonetheless become our life and my own experience. I don\u2019t know how long my life can go on. I have courage; I will not be fragile. If you hear news that I mutilated or killed myself, you can be certain it is made-up.<\/p>\n
After seeing the judgment against me, contrary to what people may think, I now think I have a more important duty to bear.<\/p>\n
Even though I have departed, I still live in anticipation of the sun and the future. I am convinced that China will become better, and that the constitutional rights of the Uighur people will, one day, be honored.<\/p>\n
Peace is a heavenly gift to the Uighur and Han people. Only peace and good will can create a common interest.<\/p>\n
I wear my shackles twenty-four hours a day, and was only allowed physical exercise for three hours out of the last eight months. My cell mates are eight sentenced Han prisoners. These are fairly harsh conditions. However, I count myself fortunate when I look at what has happened to my students and other Uighurs accused of separatist crimes. I had my own Han lawyer whom I appointed to defend me, and my family was allowed to attend my trial. I was able to say what I wanted to say. I hope that, through my case, rule of law in Xinjiang can improve, even if it is only a baby step.<\/p>\n
After yesterday\u2019s sentencing, I slept better than I ever did in the eight months (of my detention). I never realized I had this in me. The only thing is don\u2019t tell my old mother what happened. Tell my family to tell her that it\u2019s only a five-year sentence. Last night, in the cell next door Parhat Halmurat (student of Ilham\u2019s and an editor of Uighurbiz website) slammed himself against the door and cried out loud. I heard the sound of shackles, nonstop, as they were taken to interrogations. Maybe my students have been sentenced too.<\/p>\n
(To his wife): My love, for the sake of our children, please be strong and don\u2019t cry! In a future not too far away, we will be in each other\u2019s arms once more. Take care of yourself! Love, Ilham.<\/p>\n
\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2013<\/p>\n
Related:<\/p>\n
Ilham Tohti Says<\/p>\n
My Ideals and the Career Path I Have Chosen, autobiography by Ilham Tohti<\/p>\n
2009 Interview with Uyghur Scholar Ilham Tohti, with Chinese and English subtitles<\/p>\n
Ilham Tohti should get the Nobel peace prize, not life in prison, Teng Biao\u2019s op-ed in the Guardian<\/p>\n
Ilham or Tohti? Ilham, not Tohti<\/p>\n
(Translated by Louisa Chiang)<\/p>\n
Chinese original<\/a> By Ilham Tohti, published: September 25, … Continue reading
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