In late 2019, Uyghur comedian and singer Kalkun was reportedly sentenced to 18 years in prison for performing songs deemed politically sensitive, despite the fact they were earlier approved by censors. Charges against him include “separatism,” “religious extremism,” and “discriminating against national education.” Prior to this, he had also been detained in April 2018 for unclear reasons. His current whereabouts and wellbeing are unknown.