Uyghur Turk bureaucrat killed in prison

Former high-ranking bureaucrat Shirzat Bawudun, who was detained in East Turkistan, died in prison. The cause of death of Bawudun, who was 58 years old and had been detained since 2018, has not been disclosed.

It was reported that Shirzat Bawudun, a former high-ranking bureaucrat in East Turkistan, died in prison.

It was revealed that Bawudun's family went to the prison where Bawudun was detained in July 2024 and wanted to meet with him via screen, but authorities said that he died in prison. It was noted that no information was given about the cause of death.

MYSTERIOUS DEATH IN TURPAN PRISON

Free Asia Radio (RFA) contacted Turpan Prison via satellite phone in order to confirm the news of Bawudun's death. It was stated that one of the prison officials confirmed Bawudun's death, but no information was given about the cause of death. On the other hand, when the news of his death was delivered to Bawudun's family, it was noted that no information was given about the cause of death, time of death, or how the body would be processed.

FAMILY COULD NOT ASK FOR DETAILS OF MYSTERIOUS DEATH

Bawudun's family had been subjected to heavy interrogation and pressure since the day he was arrested. For this reason, it was stated that the family did not have the courage to demand more information about the news of his death.

WHO IS SHIRZAT BAWUDUN?

58-year-old Shirzat Bawudun was arrested by the Chinese government in 2018 on charges of "hypocrisy" and sentenced to death in 2021. Bawudun, who worked in politics and law for more than 30 years, held various important positions. He took part in administrative duties in Hotan until 2011 and held many senior positions.

MYSTERIOUS DEATH SHOCKED SOCIETY

According to RFA's report on the subject, the news of Bawudun's death in prison shocked society. It was stated that his family was allowed to meet with him via screen once every four months and that he had no health problems during the last meeting in March. However, the news of his death is quite mysterious to his family and the public, and it is thought that he may have been killed as a result of severe torture in prison.

Muhammed Ali ATAYURT-Istiqlal News

Source: RFA, QHA