Muslim

The British National Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) today (23rd) quoted “China: Mosques Shuttered, Razed, Altered in Muslim Areas” released by the international non-governmental organization “Human Rights Watch” “Closed, Demolished, Renovated)” investigation report pointed out that the Chinese government adopted a “mosque merging” (monastery merging) policy in provinces where Muslims are concentrated, and some mosques were deactivated, closed, demolished or converted into non-religious uses, and many mosques were even removed. Domes, minarets and other Islamic architectural features.

Satellite images obtained by Human Rights Watch confirmed that there were seven mosques in two villages in the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, all of which had their domes and minarets removed, and four of them were significantly damaged. Liaoqiao Village, Wuzhong City, Ningxia, where 55% of residents are Hui Muslims, originally had 6 mosques, but between January and August 2020, the minarets, domes and other Islamic architectural features of 3 mosques were destroyed. After the removal, the other three main buildings and the main hall were also demolished. In addition, in Liujiagou Village, Xiji County, Ningxia, where the Hui population accounts for 60%, the minaret and dome of the local mosque were demolished between 2019 and 2021, and the bathing hall necessary for believers’ daily prayers was also demolished. It is reported that The temple has been closed until at least early 2022.

According to an investigation by Human Rights Watch, about 60 of the original 96 mosques in Xinglong Town, Xiji County, Ningxia have been closed. “The town government authorities plan to demolish the bathing halls of all closed mosques.” Statistics from scholars show that approximately 1,300 mosques in Ningxia have been closed or renovated since 2020, accounting for 1/3 of the total number of local mosques. The reason is that Ningxia is a test site for the Chinese government’s implementation of the “Chineseization” policy.

The Chinese government claims that the “monastery merger” policy is to “reduce the economic burden” on Muslims, especially in poor rural areas. The Chinese government relocated villagers in these areas and merged several villages, allowing different Islamic sects to share a place of worship, claiming that it would make them more “unified” and “harmonious.” However, Human Rights Watch pointed out that China is carrying out clean-up measures in a step-by-step manner. The purpose of the “monastery merger” policy is to prevent people from going to mosques to worship. After the local government has demolished the minaret and dome, it will begin to demolish other necessary facilities for religious activities, such as bathing halls and pulpits; and then build the remaining mosques In addition, cameras are installed to monitor people entering and exiting, and they are “interviewed” one by one, and even “cleared”. If anyone is caught with the slightest problem, they may be sent to a reform camp.

The British National Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) today (23rd) quoted “China: Mosques Shuttered, Razed, Altered in Muslim Areas” released by the international non-governmental organization “Human Rights Watch” “Closed, Demolished, Renovated)” investigation report pointed out that the Chinese government adopted a “mosque merging” (monastery merging) policy in provinces where Muslims are concentrated, and some mosques were deactivated, closed, demolished or converted into non-religious uses, and many mosques were even removed. Domes, minarets and other Islamic architectural features.