China’s vast northwest province of Xinjiang is home to a minority Muslim population known as the Uyghurs. Like neighboring Tibet, its people face similar problems: religious restrictions, forced abortions, imprisonment and execution. Yet the plight of Uyghurs is underreported and largely ignored in the West. They practice a moderate interpretation of Islam. They are without a prominent leader or the romantic allure that draws so much attention to Tibet. The Chinese government explains its heavy hand by labeling the Uyghurs as separatists and-after September 11th-as terrorists.
This Stanley Foundation video, filmed in November 2008, explores China’s treatment of its Uyghur population through interviews with various experts and a visit to Xinjiang province.
