Economist Ilham Tohti, from China's predominantly Muslim Xinjiang region, speaks to students at the Central Nationalities University in Beijing, China, December 1, 2009.

Economist Ilham Tohti, from China's predominantly Muslim Xinjiang region, speaks to students at the Central Nationalities University in Beijing, China, December 1, 2009.

© 2009 Elizabeth Dalziel/AP Photo