Chinese internet user detained for spreading 'rumours' online in troubled Xinjiang region
The man, identified as a member of the region's Muslim Uighur minority, was held after an incident in late July left tens of individuals dead
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Chinese authorities have arrested a man accused of spreading online “rumours” about a recent outbreak of violence in China’s troubled Xinjiang region.
On 28 July Chinese state media reported that a “terror attack” in Yarkant County ended with a total of 96 deaths after a group armed with knives attacked a police station and government buildings.
However, exile groups associated with the region’s Uighur Muslim minority say that the bloodshed took place after security forces opened fire on demonstrators protesting the restriction of Ramadan celebrations.
The 22-year-old internet user arrested by authorities reported this version of events, but state media accused him of "fabricating horrifying details and deliberately incited ethnic hatred."
The man reportedly claimed that there had been extra-judicial killings carried out by security forces in several villages in the region prior to 28 July, speculating that this could have left as many as 3,000 to 5,000 dead.
State-controlled Tianshan News reports that the man confessed to inflating these figures to “create a bigger impact online” and “get other people’s attention”.
Independent verification of either version of events is near impossible, with the region tightly controlled and with no access given to foreign journalists.
Large parts of Xinjiang have reportedly been under a de facto state of emergency since May after an attack using explosives killed 31 and injured 94 shoppers at a crowded market.
Although it’s uncommon for groups to claim responsibility for these increasingly frequent attacks, Chinese authorities often blame the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM) – a separatist group that wants full autonomy for Xinjiang, which they know as East Turkestan.
ETIM is recognised as a terrorist group by both the Chinese and US governments, and local authorities have recently launched a year-long campaign that includes increased police and army presence in several key cities in the area.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments