Economist Podcasts The persecution of a people: China’s repression of the Uyghurs
Oct 20, 2020
Gadi Epstein, China affairs editor for The Economist, sheds light on the harrowing situation faced by the Uyghurs in Xinjiang. He discusses the alarming scale of repression, including the systematic erasure of cultural identities and family separations enforced by the Chinese government. Personal testimonies reveal the fear and surveillance that extend even to Uyghurs living abroad. In contrast, a visit to Yunnan showcases the cultural revival among the Nashi minority, offering hope amid China's ethnic dominance.
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Uyghur Family Interrogations
- Zumrat Dawood's children faced weekly interrogations at school in Urumqi.
- Officials sought information about the family's religious practices, fearing separatism.
Xinjiang: An Open-Air Prison
- Xinjiang is an open-air prison for 12 million Uyghurs due to pervasive surveillance.
- This includes high-tech phone monitoring and mandatory pro-government displays.
Reasons for Detention
- Ms. Dawood's offenses included receiving calls from Pakistan, visiting Pakistan, and having an American visa.
- These led to her detention in a camp.