Urumqi: In a prosecution condemned by foreign governments and human rights groups, China has sentenced prominent Uighur scholar Ilham Tohti to life in jail on charges of separatism.

"The wide attention of the case has made them come down especially heavy with the sentence," Mr Tohti's lawyer Li Fangping told Fairfax Media shortly after the verdict was announced. "It shows their determination to send a message."

Ilham Tohti during his trial on separatism charges. Credit:Reuters

The severity of the sentence, handed down amid tight security around the Urumqi People's Intermediate Court on Tuesday, shocked even those of Mr Tohti's supporters who were braced for the very worst.

Mr Tohti yelled out in protest upon hearing the verdict, his lawyers said. His wife Guzaili Nu'er, overcome with grief, left the court weeping and was helped into a taxi by other family members.