The Stream

Why are Muslim Uighurs being sent to ‘re-education’ camps?

The Stream looks at the plight of China’s Uighurs and other stories from social media.

Uighur ‘re-education’ in China
Thousands of Uighur Muslims in China’s Xinjiang region have been reportedly detained in so-called re-education camps where they are forced to renounce their cultural and religious identities. The detentions are part of China’s efforts to influence the politics of a population Beijing sees as prone to committing acts of violence. The policing of Uighurs continues outside of the camps and especially during the holy month of Ramadan, as Muslim practices including fasting and visiting mosques are restricted. 

Uganda social media tax
Starting in July, Uganda will tax citizens 200 shilling (US $0.05) per day for using social media networks including WhatsApp and Twitter. Supporters of the tax say it will help alleviate the country’s debt, while rights advocates worry increased tax revenue will come at the cost of freedom of expression. Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, who helped push the tax forward, has criticised social media for spreading gossip. The government has had an uneasy relationship with social media and blocked access to online networks during the country’s 2016 presidential election.

On this episode of The Stream, we speak with:

Zubayra Shamseden @uyghurproject
Chinese Outreach Coordinator, Uyghur Human Rights Project

Rian Thum @RianThum
Professor of History, Loyola University New Orleans

Rosebell Kagumire @RosebellK
Journalist

Read more:

What really happens in China’s ‘re-education’ camps – New York Times
Uganda imposes tax on social media use – Reuters