World Uyghur Congress, 24 May 2018

Uyghur Muslims businesses have been forced by Chinese authorities to sell alcohol and cigarettes on numerous occasions across East Turkistan. Many Uyghurs abstain from drinking alcohol or smoking cigarettes in accordance to their Muslim faith. Forcing shops run by Uyghur Muslims to sell these products shows a disregard for their religious beliefs and an intentional attempt by the Chinese government to undermine Islam in East Turkistan.

In May 2015, Radio Free Asia posted a notice that ordered all restaurants and supermarkets in Aktash to sell five different brands of alcohol and cigarettes and display them prominently. Chinese authorities viewed the abstention of drinking alcohol and smoking as a “form of religious extremism” rather than a religious and personal choice. Uyghur shop owners who refused to sell alcohol and cigarettes were threatened that they would be punished their businesses being forced to close or were at risk of prosecution themselves.

Forcibly promoting the sale and consumption of alcohol and cigarettes to individuals who object to their use on religious grounds is a violation of their right to freedom of religion.