The National Council of Australian Muslims (NCAM) has strongly condemned the recent sentencing of a Uyghur Muslim woman, Seylihan Rozi, to 17 years in prison in China. Rozi, aged 49, was reportedly sentenced for the crime of teaching her children and a neighbor verses from the Quran, the holy text of Islam.

According to reports, Rozi’s actions were deemed by Chinese authorities to be part of “illegal underground religious activity,” a vague accusation frequently used to target Uyghur Muslims for practicing their faith in private settings, away from state-approved oversight. A local official from the Bulaqsu Township Party Committee, in an interview with Radio Free Asia, explained that Rozi’s teaching of Quranic verses was classified as an “illegal religious activity,” leading to her long sentence.

Sajida Salman, the Director of NCAM, expressed deep concern over the persecution of Uyghur Muslims and the widespread violation of their basic rights, particularly the right to freely practice their religion. “We stand in solidarity with Uyghur families and communities around the world who continue to endure unimaginable suffering due to religious and cultural persecution. This shocking arrest and the harsh sentencing of Seylihan Rozi is a tragic example of how China is denying basic human rights to its citizens, especially those from religious minorities. All Rozi did was engage in a fundamental practice of her faith—teaching her children the Quran—which should be a right for all people, regardless of where they live.”

The NCAM’s condemnation also calls for immediate international attention to the issue, urging the United Nations to speak out against these abuses. “We call on the Australian Government and United Nations to condemn this unjust action by the Chinese government and to take decisive action to protect the rights of all those whose freedoms are being violated by dictatorial regimes,” said Sajida.

Religious freedom is a core tenet of human dignity and should be upheld for everyone, regardless of their background or beliefs. We cannot remain silent while families are torn apart for merely practicing their faith,” concluded Sajida.

For media inquiries, please contact: media@ncam.au

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National Council of Australian Muslims (NCAM) acknowledges all First Peoples as the Traditional Custodians throughout the land across Australia, and pay our respects to Elders past and present. We recognise and respect the historical and traditional connection Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples have to the land, water, culture and community. We appreciate the importance of the world’s oldest living culture, and support the union of a reconciled Australia. NCAM is committed to ensuring inclusion, equity and equality.