Sources say that the PSB's intent in sentencing him is to cover up their error in arresting Alimujiang. The Kashi PSB originally filed the case against Alimujiang, and has the authority to exercise this power independently without approval from the court or other departments.

Alimujiang's mother Wushuerhan, 65, felt despair at hearing of the government's intentions and prays that the Lord will mobilize many kind-hearted people to help rescue her son. She has been going to Kashi government offices on almost a daily basis, petitioning authorities in tears for Alimujiang's release.

Alimujiang Yimiti has been arbitrarily detained at Kashi Municipal Detention center since January 12, 2008, charged with "suspicion of inciting secession and organizing people in stealing, spying, buying and illegally providing state secrets or intelligence to overseas organizations." However, ChinaAid contacts say the reason for his imprisonment is his Christian faith and witness among the Uyghur people.

On September 12, 2008, the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention issued Opinion No. 29/2008 stating that Alimujiang Yimiti's detention for more than one year is arbitrary and that the Chinese government should take the necessary steps to correct the situation.

Bob Fu, president of ChinaAid , strongly denounces the long-term illegal detention of Alimujiang Yimiti, which has seriously affected China's image in the international community. Bob Fu stated, "We call on the central government in China and the Xinjiang government to show concern for and intervene in this case, so that they can make reparations for their wrongful actions against an innocent, law-abiding citizen and the devasting affects of his 16 month detention on his wife, mother and children." He also calls on all the people express concern for this case by calling on government officials at all levels in China.

ChinaAid calls the international community to speak out on behalf of Alimujiang Yimiti, and to petition the UN to press the Chinese government for his release.

Contact the following Chinese government offices to express your concern for Alimujiang Yimiti (pronounced A-leem'jan Yi-mit'). Offices are generally open 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. - 6 p.m. local time in China.

Xinjiang Government Leadership Office
Tel./Fax: +86-991-280-3226
Xinjiang Government Law Management Office
Tel./Fax: +86-991-235-6033

Contact the Chinese Embassy in Washington D.C. to urge them to release Alimujiang Yimiti:

Ambassador Zhou Wenzhong
3505 International Place, NW, Washington, D.C. 20008
Tel: (202) 495-2000
Fax: (202) 495-2190

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