Uyghur Rights Group Reports Arrests Over Ramadan Fasting in East Turkistan

Uyghur Rights Group Reports Arrests Over Ramadan Fasting in East Turkistan
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Authorities in China’s far-western region of East Turkistan have reportedly detained several Uyghurs for observing the Ramadan fast, highlighting ongoing restrictions on religious practices, according to the World Uyghur Congress (WUC) and exile media outlets.

The WUC, a Munich-based Uyghur advocacy organization, reported that six Uyghur residents in Hotan Prefecture were arrested on February 27 for “secretly fasting,” with five, all reportedly over 70 years old, later released after political “lectures.” A 30-year-old man remains in custody and may face criminal charges, according to Radio Free Asia.

Local police described heightened surveillance during Ramadan, including early morning patrols to detect those preparing to eat before dawn. In some cases, authorities reportedly entered homes to investigate if lights were on before sunrise.

Separate reports indicated that in Kashgar and Aksu prefectures, villagers were compelled to perform labor tasks during Ramadan mornings—such as repairing roads, bridges, and irrigation channels—to discourage fasting.

Turgunjan Alawdun, president of the WUC, said the arrests show that “people do not even have the freedom to observe their faith privately in their own homes,” underscoring the deepening restrictions on Uyghur religious life.

The situation comes as the United Nations Human Rights Council reviews Uyghur rights, with recent UN reports raising concerns over restrictions on Islamic practices and the destruction of Muslim cemeteries. Human rights groups continue to urge the international community to press Beijing to release individuals detained for observing Ramadan.