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Issue 12: Uyghurs’ Smartphones Checked for Religious Content

Issue 12: Uyghurs’ Smartphones Checked for Religious Content

World Uyghur Congress, 27 May 2018

In clear connection between freedom of expression and movement, Uyghurs are very often stopped and searched by police and are forced to hand over their smartphones. Their phones are then checked for “religious content” deemed unacceptable and are often detained. Simply possessing religious videos or texts can now land Uyghurs in prison on extremism charges. Others have been arrested for trying to “illegally access websites” with religious content.

In numerous reports, police can be seen using a device that scans the phones of Uyghurs to check for religious content. A number of stories have also emerged from the region illustrating that Uyghurs are always stopped by police at the many checkpoints in the region, whereas Chinese are simply waved through without inspection, showing clear discrimination.

Because of the suspension of many social media services, Uyghurs now complain that their smartphones are essentially useless as they are now afraid that they may receive information in a text message with religious content that could land them in prison.