As the holy month of Ramadan begins, Muslims in China are facing a ban on fasting and increased surveillance from the Chinese government.
Ramadan is a time of spiritual reflection and fasting for Muslims around the world. But in China, the government has banned fasting during Ramadan for members of the Uighur Muslim minority, citing health concerns. The ban has been in place since 2014, when the Chinese government began a campaign of repression against the Uighur population in the Xinjiang region.
The Chinese government has also increased surveillance of Muslims during Ramadan. Mosques in the region are being monitored by police, and Uighur Muslims are being asked to provide detailed information about their activities during the holy month.
The Chinese government has justified its actions by citing the need to maintain public order and protect the health of its citizens. But human rights groups have condemned the ban and increased surveillance as a violation of religious freedom.
The Chinese government has also been accused of using Ramadan as an excuse to further repress the Uighur population. The government has been accused of using the holy month to target Uighur Muslims, including by forcing them to eat during Ramadan and punishing those who refuse.
The Chinese government has denied these accusations, but the situation remains dire for Uighur Muslims in China. As Ramadan begins, they face a ban on fasting and increased surveillance from the Chinese government.