Desk:In China’s Xinjiang province, the government continues its crackdown on Uyghur Muslims. Recently, a woman was sentenced to 17 years of rigorous imprisonment for giving Islamic lessons to her children and a neighbor’s child. According to Chinese authorities, this was an “illegal underground religious activity” that needed to be stopped. The crackdown did not end there, as even the children involved were sentenced to prison.
As per an ANI report, Salihan Rozi, a Uyghur woman from Konasheher County in Xinjiang, was teaching religious lessons to her sons and a neighbor’s son when she was apprehended by Chinese authorities. A court has now sentenced Rozi to 17 years in prison. One of her sons was given a 10-year sentence, while the other was sentenced to 7 years. The neighbor’s son, Yakup Hidayat, was also sentenced to 9 years of imprisonment.
According to Radio Free Asia, Rozi was found guilty of providing unauthorized religious education. A police official handling the case stated that such religious education is strictly regulated in China and is considered illegal if conducted in this manner. They argued that the punishments were imposed due to violations of the country’s strict laws.
This incident has drawn sharp criticism. Detractors argue that while the government justifies such actions as efforts to curb separatism and extremism, it is evident that these measures are direct violations of Uyghur Muslims’ fundamental religious rights. Critics claim the government is systematically targeting Uyghur Muslims with acts of oppression.
The Chinese government has faced global criticism over its treatment of Uyghur Muslims. International human rights activists have repeatedly urged China to respect the cultural and religious rights of the Uyghurs.
However, reports from Radio Free Asia suggest that this is not an isolated case. Leaked Chinese documents, statements from former detainees, and claims by Uyghur rights organizations reveal that Uyghurs are often punished for participating in any religious activities. Mosques are demolished, and efforts are made to erase their cultural heritage entirely.