A Chinese Christian detained since 12 January 2008 has had his detention recognized by the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention as "arbitrary," following Christian Solidarity Worldwide's (CSW) submission of his case to the group last year.

The UN Working Group has now rendered Opinion 29/2008, which states that "the deprivation of liberty of Mr. Alimujiang Yimiti (Alimjan Yimit in Uyghur) is arbitrary," contravening various rights entailed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, including articles 7, 9, 10, 11(1) and 12.

Mr.Yimiti is a Uyghur Christian from Xinjiang province. The Working Group also concluded that Mr. Yimiti was detained on account of his faith, and has asked the Chinese Government to "take the necessary steps to remedy the situation of the above mentioned persons and to bring it into conformity with the standards and principles set forth in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights".

Mr.Yimiti is charged with instigating separatism and stealing, penetrating, purchasing and illegally providing state secrets or intelligence to overseas organizations and individuals.

If found guilty, Mr. Yimiti could face the death sentence.

Alimujiang.Yimiti was a project manager for Jirehouse, a British company, which in September 2007 was targeted in a series of closures of foreign companies belonging to Christians in the province. The Chinese government initially accused him of illegal religious infiltration. These charges were later changed. Those close to Mr.Yimiti have consistently claimed that there was never any proof of wrongdoing.

Mr Yimiti's treatment typifies the religious freedom situation throughout China. Although Article 36 of the Chinese constitution recognises the right to hold a religious belief, in practice, many who do, are regularly harassed, tortured and imprisoned.

CSW's Advocacy Director, Tina Lambert said: "CSW warmly welcomes the Opinion of the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention.  It is now vital that the Chinese Government acts with speed and due diligence to right a serious wrong suffered by Mr. Yimiti. The claims against him are evidently unfounded, and he must be released and compensated forthwith".

Notes to Editors:

• Mr. Yimiti's case was first brought to trial on 27 May 2008, when a verdict of "insufficient evidence" was reached.  On 1 October the case was transferred to prosecutors from Xinjiang Police Security Bureau (PSB). China Aid Association (CAA) reports that the case has been passed back and forth between law enforcement agencies since that time.
  
• Throughout this entire period Mr. Yimiti's family has been barred from visiting him. In a letter to CAA his wife, Guli Nuer said, "In these 14 months, there has been no news about him at all and there has been no communication with him either. Though only a wall separates us, yet we feel he is so far away from us." The case has now been sent to a Communist Party Committee in Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. The Committee is the region's highest arbiter, and it will make a final decision on this case. The move to a political setting may be indicative of the political pressure brought to bear following the UN ruling.
  
• CSW is particularly concerned about Mr. Yimiti's wellbeing following CAA reports of possible abuse and torture by police authorities.
  
• To see the China Aid press release, please click here.