"Ilham Tohti is an intellectual and economist, a prolific writer, and formerly the host of a website, Uyghur Online. In 2014, Tohti was arrested by the Chinese authorities, accused of advocating separatism, violence, and the overthrow of the Chinese government, subjected to a two-day trial, and sentenced to life. Nothing has been heard from him since. This collection of his essays gathers together his open-hearted calls for justice, scholarly explanations of the history of Xinjiang, and poignant personal reflections"-- Provided by publisher.

Preface: Ilham Tohti and the Uyghurs /by Rian Thum -- The Source of Xinjiang ethnic tensions as I see them (2005) -- The need to mount long-term resistance to totalitarianism and ethnonationalist chauvinism (2006) -- Isn't it time to rethink China's ethnic policies? (2009) -- My ideals and the career path I have chosen (2011) -- "The wounds of the Uyghur people have not healed": a letter to the National Congress and the State Council (2013) -- Present-day ethnic problems in Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region: overview and recommendations (2013) -- "I don't have too many good days ahead of me"-Audio statement (2013) -- "My outcries are for my people and, even more, for the future of China": statement after receiving a life sentence for "separatist" crimes (2014) -- The watchman of the Uyghur people (2008) -- We Uyghurs have no say (2012) -- Why the Uyghurs feel defeated (2013) -- "The Uyghurs are living in fear" (VOA, 2013)