No Fasting
Beijing slapped severe restrictions on Chinese Muslims as the holy fasting month of Ramadan started.
As for Muslim members of the government throughout Xinjiang, the government forced them to sign “letters of responsibility” promising to avoid fasting, evening prayers, or other religious activities.
“Fasting during Ramadan is a traditional ethnic custom, and they are allowed to do that,” an employee who answered the phone at a local government neighborhood committee office in the regional capital Urumqi said confirming the restrictions.
“But they aren’t allowed to hold any religious activities during Ramadan,” she added.
“Party members are not allowed to fast for Ramadan, and neither are civil servants.”
As for private companies, Uighur Muslim employees were offered lunches during fasting hours.
Anyone who refuses to eat could lose their annual bonus, or even their job, Raxit added.
Officials have also targeted Muslim schoolchildren, providing them with free lunches during the fasting period.
A Uighur resident of Beijing said students under 18 are forbidden from fasting during Ramadan. Moreover, government campaigns forced restaurants in the Muslim majority region to stay open all day.
More restrictions were also imposed on people trying to attend prayers at mosques.
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