Waiting to Be Arrested at Night
A Uyghur Poet's Memoir of China's Genocide
(Author) Tahir Hamut IzgilA Uyghur poet's piercing memoir of life under the most coercive surveillance regime in history 'Essential reading' AI WEIWEI 'Deeply courageous' PHILIPPE SANDS 'Exceptionally powerful' JULIA LOVELL If you took an Uber in Washington DC a few years ago, there's a chance your driver was one of the greatest living Uyghur poets, and one of only a handful from his minority Muslim community to escape the genocide being visited upon his homeland in western China. A successful filmmaker, innovative poet and prominent intellectual, Tahir Hamut Izgil had long been acquainted with state surveillance and violence, having spent three years in a labour camp on fabricated charges. But in 2017, the Chinese government's repression of its Uyghur citizens assumed a terrifying new intensity: critics were silenced; conversations became hushed; passports were confiscated; and Uyghurs were forced to provide DNA samples and biometric data. As Izgil's friends disappeared one by one, it became clear that fleeing the country was his family's only hope. Waiting to Be Arrested at Night charts the ongoing destruction of a community and a way of life. It is a call for the world to awaken to a humanitarian catastrophe, an unforgettable story of courage, escape and survival, and a moving tribute to Izgil's friends and fellow Uyghurs whose voices have been silenced.
Tahir Hamut Izgil
Tahir Hamut Izgil is a prominent Uyghur poet and writer known for his powerful and evocative works that capture the cultural and political struggles of the Uyghur people. His poetry often reflects on themes of identity, exile, and resistance against oppression.
One of his most notable works is the poetry collection "Artush and Other Poems," which has received widespread acclaim for its poignant exploration of the Uyghur experience. Izgil's writing style is characterized by its lyrical language, vivid imagery, and emotional depth, which have made him a leading voice in Uyghur literature.
Through his work, Izgil has made a significant impact on Uyghur literature, bringing attention to the rich cultural heritage and ongoing challenges faced by the Uyghur people. His writings serve as a testament to the power of art in raising awareness and advocating for social justice.
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