Source:         www.ChinaAid.org

Date:            May 8, 2008

Xinjiang- CAA has recently learned that the case against Uyghur Christian Alimujiang Yimiti, has been formally transferred to Kashi District Intermediate People’s Court for formal prosecution. The court is set to open in approximately two to three weeks. Mr. Liang Xiaojun, Alimujiang’s Beijing based lawyer, is preparing for his client’s legal defense.

CAA President Bob Fu, calls on Xinjiang authorities to immediately acquit Mr. Alimujiang of all charges, and to further release Mr. Wusiman Yiming, whom is currently serving a prison sentence. Mr. Fu also made the point that in comparison to 46 Han Christians who were arrested on April 13, the penalizations to Uyghur Christians are much more severe. In contrast to the severity of punishment to Uyghur Christians, 2 Han Christians were detained for only 15 days while others were solely given a 50 Yuan fine. These cases clearly illustrate the policy of racial discrimination that authorities of Xinjiang practice. Charges brought by officials against Mr. Yimiti are no more than false allegations in order to suppress the religious freedoms of the Uyghur Christians in Xinjiang.