Respected Uyghur journalist, community leader in Kazakhstan dies

Riza Samedi is remembered as an influential leader in the Uyghur diaspora.
BACKGROUND:
Died December 29, 2024, at age 86 in Kazakhstan
Born 1938 in Ghulja (Yining), son of East Turkistan military colonel
Family fled to Soviet Kazakhstan in 1961
CAREER AND ACTIVISM:
Worked as teacher, then in Uyghur-language broadcasting
Journalist for Soviet Union's Uyghur service in Moscow
Member of Kazakhstan Journalists Union
World Uyghur Congress advisor
Post-retirement advocate for Uyghur rights and culture
HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE:
Witnessed 1944 East Turkistan Republic
Continued father's work preserving Uyghur identity
Key figure in late 20th century Uyghur independence movement
Advocated for Uyghur causes in Kazakhstan and Central Asia
Encouraged young Uyghur activists internationally
Leaders praised his contributions to Uyghur media, nationalism, and cultural preservation in diaspora communities.