China: Xinjiang introduces restrictions to combat 'extremism'
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 1 April 2017 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, China: Xinjiang introduces restrictions to combat 'extremism', 1 April 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5975a6e5a.html [accessed 22 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
April 01, 2017
China's far western region of Xinjiang has introduced a range of restrictions as part of what it describes as a campaign against religious extremism.
The regulations were passed by Xinjiang lawmakers this week and came into effect on April 1.
They include prohibiting "abnormally" long beards, the wearing of robes that cover the whole body and face, and refusing to watch or listen to government propaganda on radio or television, according to the text of measures published on a government website.
Authorities in Xinjiang have issued a series of measures in the past years to tackle what they see as a rise in Islamist extremism.
The region is the homeland of the Turkic-speaking and mainly Muslim Uyghur ethnic group.
The area has been hit by deadly unrest in recent years. Beijing blames the violence on Islamist militants and separatists, but rights groups say the unrest is a reaction to repressive Chinese policies.
Based on reporting by AFP, Reuters, and the BBC
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
