ETNM Urges Global Support Against China’s Destruction of Uyghur Mosques
The East Turkistan National Movement (ETNM), a US-based organization, is raising awareness about human rights abuses against Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang. ETNM has called on the international community, human rights authorities, and activists to support their fight against Beijing.
ETNM accuses China of converting 16,000 mosques and other religious sites into clubs and bars. In a post on X, ETNM stated, “The Chinese government is executing a calculated strategy to annihilate the identity of the East Turkistan nation to ensure its occupation of East Turkistan continues. In a blatant attempt to erase our historical and cultural roots, Beijing has demolished over 16,000 mosques, desecrated religious sites by turning them into bars and clubs, and destroyed countless historic Uyghur neighborhoods. These acts of cultural destruction are designed to break the spirit of our people and erase our Turkic and Islamic heritage from existence.”
ETNM also accused Muslim countries and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) of remaining silent as China continues its campaign against Uyghur Muslims. The statement mentioned that the world has turned a blind eye towards the atrocities being committed in Xinjiang and has shamelessly lent their support to China’s actions.
According to a 2021 report by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, satellite imagery has revealed significant damage to over 20 percent of the region’s mosques, with some being demolished or repurposed. The region is described as one of the most heavily monitored areas in the world, with extensive use of facial recognition technology and other forms of surveillance. There have been significant reports and satellite imagery proving the existence of large-scale internment camps in Xinjiang. These facilities are described as “re-education” camps backed by the Chinese government, but international observers and human rights organizations consider them to be detention centers erasing the identity of East Turkistan.
Doubts Revealed
ETNM -: ETNM stands for East Turkistan National Movement. It is a group that represents the Uyghur people and their interests.
Uyghur -: Uyghurs are a group of people who mostly live in Xinjiang, China. They have their own unique culture and religion, which is Islam.
Xinjiang -: Xinjiang is a region in China where many Uyghur people live. It has been in the news because of how the Chinese government is treating the Uyghurs there.
Organisation of Islamic Cooperation -: The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) is a group of countries that work together to support Muslim communities around the world.
Satellite imagery -: Satellite imagery means pictures of the Earth taken from satellites in space. These pictures can show changes on the ground, like the destruction of buildings.
Internment camps -: Internment camps are places where people are kept against their will. In Xinjiang, many Uyghurs are reportedly being held in these camps.
