/ / CHINA: PROMINENT KAZAKH WRITER HELD IN SECRET DETENTION

CHINA: PROMINENT KAZAKH WRITER HELD IN SECRET DETENTION

UA: 71.26

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Zhengis Reskhan (杰恩斯·热斯汉), a prominent Kazakh writer from China’s Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, has been detained since March 19, 2026, following months of repeated police interrogations. Since he was taken away, his family has received no official notification of his detention, legal status, or the reasons for his detention, and has had no contact with him. According to his son, the authorities have verbally accused him of “promoting extremist thought” and “holding extremist thoughts” but have provided no formal charges or legal documents. His family, both in China and abroad, has also reportedly been subjected to surveillance and intimidation.

Unless there is sufficient credible and admissible evidence that Zhengis Reskhan has committed an internationally recognized criminal offense, he should be immediately released.

PLEASE TAKE ACTION AS SOON AS POSSIBLE UNTIL: November 30, 2026

Here is how you can take action:

Send a letter to the China authorities
Send an email to the Chinese Embassy in the United States
Post on social media

Scroll down to Step 1 and Step 2 to access the full Urgent Action appeal and sample letter, and U.S.P.S. mailing address (if available).

Take action

Step 1

READ THE FULL URGENT ACTION

Enter your email address and zip code to get the sample letter to send to government officials.

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You can now write a letter in your own words or download the sample below as a guide.

Remember to send your letter by November 30, 2026.

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Sample Letter

Dear Minister Wang,

I am concerned about the detention of Zhengis Reskhan (杰恩斯·热斯汉), a prominent Kazakh writer from the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (Uyghur region). I find it distressing that, since taking him into custody on March 19, 2026, the authorities have reportedly verbally alleged that he “promoted extremist thought” and “held extremist thoughts”, yet no formal charges have been communicated or legal basis for his detention disclosed.

The authorities’ failure to officially disclose Zhengis Reskhan’s legal status or place of detention raises serious concerns that he is being held in secret and prolonged incommunicado detention, placing him at heightened risk of torture and other ill-treatment. I am also alarmed by reports that his family members in China and abroad have been subjected to surveillance and intimidation for seeking information about his case.

I urge you to release Zhengis Reskhan immediately and unconditionally unless there is sufficient credible and admissible evidence that he has committed an internationally recognized criminal offense. Pending his release, ensure that he has prompt and regular access to a lawyer of his own choosing, his family, and any medical care he may require, and that he is protected from torture and other ill treatment. Finally, I urge you to end all intimidation, surveillance and reprisals against Zhengis Reskhan’s family members, wherever they may reside, for seeking information about his case or peacefully exercising their human rights.

Yours sincerely,

[YOUR NAME]

Step 2

Send your message

Mail your letter to the government officials listed below. You can also email, fax, call, or post about them on social media.

Send your letter to:

Minister Wang Xiaohong

Ministry of Public Security

14 Dongchangan Avenue

Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100741

People’s Republic of China

and

CC: Embassy of China in the United States

Send a copy of your letter to the address below

Ambassador Xie Fang

3505 International Place, NW,

Washington DC 20008

[email protected]

When writing your letter, don’t forget to be factual, brief, and show respect. See more letter writing tips and emails, or organize and host a letter writing party.

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