Uyghur historian and publisher Seydin disappeared in 2017 and was sentenced to 15 years in prison for “inciting extremism” in late 2019, likely for his involvement in publishing an Arabic grammar book. In May 2020, via a video released by state-affiliated China Daily, Seydin stated he was not detained; however, his family reports that he may be under duress and is unable to communicate without being surveilled.