Human rights
The World
February 18, 2020
A newly leaked database provides further evidence that China's detention of the Muslim minority group is based on religion, family ties and retrospective punishment for arbitrary infractions, like having at some point worn a veil, grown a long beard, or being an "untrustworthy person born in a certain decade." Uighur activist Jewher Ilham spoke to The World's Marco Werman about the detention and surveillance of Uighurs in China.
Arts, Culture & Media
Global Hit
The World
May 19, 2009
Anchor Marco Werman introduces us to the music of Mamer from Xinjiang province in northwestern China. Mamer plays China-grass, which like American bluegrass music, has ancient roots and homespun appeal
Sports
'Typhoon,' an Olympic thriller
The Takeaway
August 06, 2008
In the wake of violent protests involving the Olympic torch and the murder of 16 policemen in Xinjiang province, Olympics organizers and participants fear more civic disturbances. Ironically, author Charles Cumming's new book 'Typhoon' is a thriller about terrorist attacks on the eve of the Olympics, launched by citizens from Xinjiang.
Conflict & Justice
Ethnic Tension in Northwest China Erupts into Riots
The Takeaway
July 07, 2009
In the northwest corner of China, rival protesters defied the Chinese government's efforts to lock down the province after deadly clashes between Muslim Uighurs and Han Chinese. For more The Takeaway turns to Shirong Chen, China Editor for the BBC.
Conflict & Justice
Unrest in China Disrupts a Summit in Italy
The Takeaway
July 08, 2009
As Han and Uighur Chinese battled each other in a flare up of ancient ethnic tensions, the Chinese President Hu Jintao had to leave the G8 meeting in Italy to attend to the situation.
Global Scan
The Church of England vows to get tough on climate change — really
February 12, 2014
Climate change is a big deal, and even those with a close relationship with a higher power look to be ready to take action as well. The Church of England is threatening to put their money where their mouth is. Plus, in Belgium, the government is considering allowing children to request euthanasia.
Conflict
A Chinese city plans to ban Muslim clothing — to fight terrorism
Global Voices Online
August 13, 2014
Uighur Muslims in the city of Karamay are banned from wearing headscarves, having beards or other religiously linked items while using public transportation for the duration of a local sports competition. But the ban may become permanent and stoke tensions between Uighurs and the Chinese government.
Conflict
How China squeezes its Uighur minority — and how they're fighting back
The Takeaway
August 25, 2014
China says it's trying to modernize Xinjiang, the region in far western China that's home to the Muslim Uighur minority. It also claims Uighurs may be training with ISIS militants in the Middle East, but locals say its all part of a fear campaign to stamp out their culture and religion.
Justice
China’s harsh punishment for a moderate Uighur could make things worse in Xinjiang
The World
September 23, 2014
Even cynics were surprised when a court in China handed moderate Uighur independence advocate Ilham Tohti a life sentence and severe economic penalties on Tuesday. Now observers think the harsh ruling may further stoke tensions and violence in China's Xinjiang province.
Belief
No fair, China: Trying to tempt Muslims from fasting during Ramadan — with beer
The World
June 26, 2015
Owners of Muslim restaurants in a village have been directed to create “eye-catching displays” to promote alcohol and cigarettes during Ramadan. And then there's the beer festival. With prizes.
China's crackdown on Xinjiang's Uighur Muslims draws international concern
The World
September 11, 2018
The Chinese government has gone to great lengths to keep a lid on its policies in the northwestern province of Xinjiang, the historic home for the Uighur Muslim population. But the details of what human rights advocates say is a massive crackdown on an entire culture are becoming more widely known.