Prisoner of faith: Alimujiang Yimiti

Please write Alimujiang a letter,
reminding him that he is remembered by
his family around the world.
(Photo: ChinaAid)

In September 2007 Chinese government officials closed Alimujiang Yimiti’s business and accused him of using it as a cover up for “preaching Christianity among people of Uyghur ethnicity.” He was later arrested in January 2008 and accused of “subversion of the national government and endangering national security,” a crime punishable by death.

Alimujiang, a former Muslim, became a Christian more than 10 years ago and has been an active Christian in the growing Uyghur church.

His case was accepted for review in November 2010, raising hopes that the injustice of his case might finally be revealed. In mid-February 2011, however, he received a notice informing him that his sentenced was being upheld – a sentence which is reportedly the harshest given to a Christian in a decade. The news came as a blow to his wife and children, who have had little contact with him since his detention.

You can stand with Alimujiang by writing him a letter of encouragement.

When writing a letter, never mention the name of the source of your information or the name of any organization such as The Voice of the Martyrs. It is not dangerous for a prisoner to receive letters from individuals, but if an organization is mentioned they may be accused of links with “foreign organizations” and receive harsher sentences. Also, please do not state anything negative about their government. For more information on letter writing, please click here. To create a letter using phrases in Alimujiang’s own language, please visit Prisoner Alert. Under “What you can do,” select “Write an encouraging letter.” Then click “Create letter.”

Please mail your letters to:
Alimujiang Yimiti
Section 11
The Xinjiang No. 3 Prison
No.1339, Dongzhan Road, Urumqi City
Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region 830013
CHINA