US: China Turns Xinjiang into an Outdoor Prison... Sanctions Officials for Falun Gong Crackdown

2020 International Religious Freedom Report Published
Focus on Religious Persecution in Jung

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] The United States criticized the Chinese government for intensifying surveillance on Muslim minorities and turning the Xinjiang Uyghur region into an open-air prison. The U.S. also announced sanctions suspending visa issuance for Chinese officials involved in the crackdown on Falun Gong practitioners.

On the 12th (local time), Daniel Neidle, Director of International Religious Freedom at the U.S. Department of State, condemned in a briefing on the '2020 International Religious Freedom Report' that "(the Xinjiang Uyghur) entire region is basically turning into an open-air prison."

He stated, "The movements of Xinjiang residents are closely monitored, and there are guards assigned to live with and surveil the Uyghur people," evaluating that China has shifted its management of Muslims in the region from education and training to surveillance.

Director Neidle criticized China's actions as religious persecution against Muslims.

Secretary of State Tony Blinken also announced visa sanctions against Chinese officials involved in the detention of Falun Gong believers and their families.

In a statement, Secretary Blinken emphasized, "The United States will consider all means to hold accountable those responsible for human rights abuses occurring in China and other countries."

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