Feng Siyu, a once celebrated academic in China, was arrested in 2018 possibly for her studies into Uyghur culture. Her whereabouts are unknown, reflecting a pattern of disappearances of academics, especially those relating to Xinjiang. Such actions constitute a violation of human rights. We urge the Chinese government to free her or at the very least to establish her location and health status.
Human Rights in China
Xinjiang Victims Database
The Art of Life in Chinese Central Asia
September 12, 2025
President Xi Jinping
President of the People’s Republic of China
Zhongnanhai
Xichangan’jie
Xichangqu, Beijing Shi 100017
The People’s Republic of China
Your Excellency:
The Committee of Concerned Scientists is an independent organization of scientists, physicians, engineers, and scholars devoted to the protection and advancement of human rights and scientific freedom for colleagues all over the world.
We are writing regarding the arrest and disappearance of Feng Siyu, a brilliant academic from Hangzhou, who at one time received very positive attention from the Chinese media. Siyu studied history at Amherst College in Massachusetts and at the School of Oriental and African Studies in the University of London. Her interest in the Uyghur community led her to study their culture and language at the University of Wisconsin with plans for doctoral study at Harvard. This was going to be the start of a peaceful and prosperous academic career for Siyu. However, police supposedly grew suspicious of her over “foreign software” on her phone, ultimately leading to her arrest in 2018. It would not be unreasonable to suggest that Siyu was actually arrested because she was associated with the Folklore Research Center at Xinjiang University, studying Uyghur culture. This is where her former collaborator, Rahile Dawut, was also arrested and then sentenced to life in prison.
The committee is deeply concerned for the well-being of Siyu. Most information about her has been kept secret, but it has been suggested online that Siyu has been sentenced to at least fifteen years in prison. We request that the international community be updated as to her condition and whereabouts, and that she be treated with high standard medical care. If Feng is indeed being imprisoned, we ask that you consider releasing her as she does not pose a threat to China.
Sincerely,
CC:
Marco Rubio
Secretary of State
U.S. Department of State
2201 C Street, NW
Washington, DC 20520