The ETNM alleges that China has destroyed over 16,000 mosques and converted many religious sites into clubs and bars in an effort to erase the identity of the East Turkistan nation.
In a statement on X, the ETNM said, “The Chinese government is systematically trying to annihilate the identity of the East Turkistan nation to maintain its control over the region. By demolishing more than 16,000 mosques, desecrating religious sites by converting them into bars and clubs, and destroying historic Uyghur neighborhoods, Beijing aims to break the spirit of our people and erase our Turkic and Islamic heritage from existence.”
The ETNM also condemned the silence of Muslim-majority countries, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and Central Asian Republics, accusing them of ignoring China’s ongoing campaign against Uyghur Muslims.
The group criticized the global community for turning a blind eye to the atrocities in Xinjiang and for their tacit support of China’s actions, which they describe as genocide, colonization, and occupation.
A 2021 report by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute supports these claims, revealing through satellite imagery that over 20% of the region’s mosques have been significantly damaged, with many being demolished or repurposed.
Xinjiang is one of the most heavily monitored regions in the world, with widespread use of facial recognition and other surveillance methods.
Additionally, reports and satellite imagery have shown evidence of large-scale internment camps in the area, which the Chinese government refers to as “re-education” camps.
However, international observers and human rights organizations view these facilities as part of a broader effort to erase the identity of East Turkistan.
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