Introduction
The Chinese government has reportedly detained approximately one to three million Muslims in so-called reeducation camps, mainly Uyghurs, constituting the largest mass internment of an ethnic-religious minority group since World War II (Kirby, 2020). Initially denying the existence of the camps and after facing numerous facts, the Chinese government later describes them as vocational training centers where people can get assistance and education. However, reports from human rights organizations, satellite images, and testimonies from former detainees, family members, and former staff revealed the reality of reeducation camps. It is said that people in re-education camps, are subjected to unprecedented surveillance, torture, sterilization, and psychological stress as they are forced to abandon their religious beliefs (Kumar, 2021, p. 48).
Previous research on re-education camps has mainly focused on the detention facilities, conditions and individuals there. However, thousands of interrogation logs, leaked from internal Chinese police websites that recorded by the Konashehir County PD Mush police station, provide detailed insight into the pre-detention process. Notably, the interrogation logs also provide the specific information about when and why individuals were detained or being interrogated, as well as indicate the number of people detained within the same household.
According to Human rights organizations, in Xinjiang (the northwest region of China and home to Uyghurs) Uyghurs have suffered arbitrary arrests without any law process. They were deprived of their fundamental rights to life and freedom of religion and belief (Irwin, 2021). This documentation not only offer a broader understanding of the detention system in Xinjiang and but also reinforce the existing information about the re-education camps.
The thousands of the interrogation logs contain the ID number, name, address, and the family members’ status of the person under interrogation, which helps to verify the authenticity of the logs.
The logs can be divided into two main categories: the logs of the persons under interrogation and the logs of the whistleblowers.
By examining the scale and specifics of these logs, this study aims to further expose the widespread arbitrary detention, torture, control and the surveillance imposed on Uyghur families, this analysis sheds light on the human rights abuses faced by Uyghurs in China’s re-education camps and the widespread impact on their families and communities, contributing to a large evidence that calls for international accountability and justice.
Below are interrogation log 1 in original language:
Below are the translation of the interrogation log 1:
Interrogation log [First questioning]
Time: from 2017 December 30, 10:38 to 2017 December 30, 11:50.
Location: Konashehir County PD Mush police station.
Editor:
Logger:
Work location: Konashehir County PD National internal security department,
Felon: Meremnisa Estillah (Yigisar County ochar county Oruck square group – 3)
Question 1 : we are official police officers from the Konashehir County PD National internal security department, now we are asking you the questions about the case according to law, you must answer the question with truth and exact, if you lie or hide evidence you will be punish more brutally according to law, if we asked the questions not related to the case you’ve rightfully decline to answer, do you understand!?
Answer 1: I understood clearly.
Question 2: how is your health? Can you answer the question we’ve asked?
Answer 2: my health is good I can answer the question
Question 3: identify yourself!
answer 3: My name is meremnisa estillah, Uyghur, born in 1986 Feb. 4, ID: 653121198602042628, Farmer, middle school education level, the place I currently living in, and the place registered on my ID is Yigisar County Ochar Township Oruck square group – 3 number 059, there is 5 person living in my family includes me, married, no criminal record.
Question 4: brief us your history!
Answer 4: I born in 1986, home educated till 1993, from 1993 to 1999 I’ve studied in Mush Township fifth Village elementary school, from 1999 to 2002 I’ve studied in mush Township middle school, I’ve stayed at home from 2002 to 2004, in 2004 August I’ve married to Abduwali Yasin (Currently imprisoned), I’ve divorced in Daheyan prison in 2017, in 2017 july I’ve married to my current husband Abdugheni Kadir, since from 2017 july after the marriage I’ve stayed at Yigisar County Ochar Township Oruck square group – 3.
Question 5: introduce to us your family and social circle!
Answer 5: my father Esetullah Rozi, 65 years old, Farmer, mush township 5th village, 4th group,
my mother helimighan memet, 62 years old, Farmer, mush township 5th village, 4th group,
my sister Gile kiz esetullah, 42 years old, Farmer, Kashgar city Hangdi township 1st village,
her husband Urayim Ghopur, worker, , Kashgar city Hangdi township 1st village,
my brother Sadir Esetullah, 40 years old missing in 2011 may,
his wife Mikerem Asim 29 years old, missing in 2011 may,
my sister Kember nisa esetullah, 36 years old, Farmer, living in Opal Bazaar 4th village.
Her husband Memet zunun Korban, 28 years old, Farmer, living in Opal Bazaar 4th village
My sister Nursimangul Esetullah, 28 years old, Farmer, Mush township 7th village 13th group,
Her husband Metkari Yasin, 28 years old, Farmer, Mush township 7th village 13th group,
My sister Gulkiz Esetullah, 27 years old, Farmer mush township 5th village 4th group,
My brother Gholam Esetullah, 22 years old, Worker, works in the factory in Yopurgha county.
Question 6: Is there anybody in your family who has been detained ot re-educated?
Answer 6: my husband Abdugheni Kadir sentenced 10 in 2017 June, my father Esetullah Rozi sentenced 6 years in 2017 February, my sister Gulkiz Esetullah sentenced 7 years in 2017 June.
Question 7: Do you know the reason why we are questioning you right now?
Answer 7: I’m here for the accusation of I’ve been to the Quran teaching with others,
Question 8: then tell us your crime with every detail?
Answer 8: in 2010 September, a Ramadan day went to my uncle Muhter memet (died in 2013) house for open fasting, after we open fasting with the guests mans went to the Tarawy prayer, after ladies finished the dinner we went to the living room start night prayer, mans did the prayer in next room, after the one of the guest Yettar Ablimit (Mush township 5th village 4th group, now in jail) told us about preciousness of the Ramadan, he said < it’s good to fasting in Ramadan, in this time 5 times of prayer must be done, in Kadir night do a night prayer will be please god, 100 times of prayer at Kadir night will makes the wish come true>, that was the Quran teaching of his, I don’t remember other stuff, tomorrow we went back to our houses after eating ready fasting food,
Question 9: who did you sit together to listen Yettar Ablimits speech?
Answer 9: my uncle Muhter memet (Mush township 5th village 4th group, now in jail), his wife Asimgul Kerem (Mush township 5th village 4th group, now in jail), my cousin Shehir gul Muhtar (Mush township 5th village 4th group, now in jail), Yettar Abilmit (Mush township 5th village 4th group, now in jail), my grandmother Shehirnisa Han (Died in 2014), mother Hilmihan memet (Mush township 5th village 4th group) Haji gul memet (Mush township 5th village 4th group, now in jail), Ayshem Gul tevekkul (Mush township 5th village 4th group, now in jail), Halide Ablimit (Mush township 5th village 4th group, now in jail), Nuhan Huseyin (Mush township 5th village 4th group), Jamila Gul Memet (Mush township 5th village 4th group, now in jail), Mikerem Asim (Mush township 5th village 4th group, disappeared without a trace), Sadir Esetullah (Mush township 5th village 4th group, disappeared without a trace), Memet Ali turap (Mush township 5th village 4th group, Disappeared without a trace), Patigul Tursun (Mush township 5th village 4th group),Raziye Abliz(Died), my father Esetullah Rozi (Mush township 5th village 4th group, now in jail),memet imin memet (Mush township 5th village 4th group, now in jail), Sadir Ghopur (Mush township 5th village 4th group, now in jail), Nurullah Obul (Mush township 5th village 4th group, now in jail), my uncle Eliyas memet(Mush township 5th village 4th group, now in jail),
Question 10: Is yettar Ablimit talked about other subjects?
Answer 10: No, he didn’t talk about other subjects
Question 11: Have you ever participated in other night prayer sessions and heard Quran teachings?
Answer 11: Yes in 2010 September a Ramadan day, at my grandmother Shehirnisa Han Yusup house (Died in 2014), yettar Abilmit talked about the goodness of Ramadan, he said < it’s good to fasting in Ramadan, in this time 5 times of prayer must be done, in Kadir night do a night prayer will be please god, 100 times of prayer at Kadir night will makes the wish come true>he talked about these,
Question 12: who was there at this night prayer?
Answer 12: my uncle Muhtar memet, his wife Asimgul Kerem, my cousin Shehirgul muhter, Yettar Abilmit, my mother Hilmihan Memet, Hajigul memet, Ayshemgul tevekkul, Nuhan Huseyin, Jemila gul memet, Mikerem Asim, Sadir Esetullah, Memet ali Turap, Patigul Tursun, Raziye Abliz, Memet imin memet, Sadir Ghopur, Nurullah Obul, my uncle Eliyas memet, Hanzuhrem Abilmit (Mush township 5th village 4th group, now in jail), Abla seyit (Mush township 9th village 2nd group, now in jail),
Question 13: Did you do any night prayer other than these?
Answer 13: No
Question 14: Did you participate in any other Quran teaching other than these?
Answer 14: in 2011 may I have heard about my sister Bilikiz Esetullah(Died in 2012), says that woman must cover their heads and wear Hijab.
Question 15: tell us more details about Bilikiz Esetullahs speech?
Answer 15: there would be sins if ladies don’t wear hijab, if the ladies cover their head and wear hijab and submissive to their man, you’re getting married soon so wear long skirt, she has talked about this.
Question 16: what’s your idea after hearing this?
Answer 16: I’ve wearing long skirts after heard what my sisters says since from 2011 june to 2012 may.
Question 17: Have you ever tell anybody to wear long skirts?
Answer 17: No.
Question 18: how was your religious knowledge?
Answer 18: I only know two prayers.
Question 19: Who taught you that?
Answer 19: in 2005 July, my grandmother Shehirnisa Yusup(Died in 2014) told me that I’ve grew older it’s about time to get married at least learn how to pray and learn one or two prayers, so I’ve learned these two prayers in a 7 days,
Question 20: who did you take religious teachings with?
Answer 20: only me there is no others
Question 21: is Shehir nisa yusup ever teach you Quran while teaching you religion?
Answer 21: No, there is no such a thing like that
Question 22: who’s the others you take religious teachings from?
Answer 22: I didn’t get any religious teachings from others.
Question 23: how many phones line registered on your name?
Answer 23: I have 15276013465 phone line registered in 2017 July from Mush country Mobile connection hall, I’m using it till now
Question 24: is your phone number ever been blocked by PD?
Answer 24: No, never been blocked by PD
Question 25: Have your ever registered a phone line for other on your name?
Answer 25: No
Question 26: have you surf online with your mobile phone?
Answer 26: No, I never surf online
Question 27: Have you ever used VPN on your mobile device?
Answer 27: I don’t know that kind of thing, I’ve never used it.
Question 28: Have you ever contacted with abroad? Or receive phone calls from abroad?
Answer 28: No
Question 29: what kind of applications you installed on your phone?
Answer 29: I only know how to do phone calls.
Question 30: have you ever watch anything illegal content, download illegal content or share illegal content on WeChat?
Answer 30: No
Question 31: have you ever kept religious books at your home?
Answer 31: I don’t keep any other religious book at my home.
Question 32: have you every trying to convince someone for prayer or learn religion or prayer?
Answer 32: No, didn’t do that
Question 33: do you know any illegal activity from others?
Answer 33: No, I don’t
Question 34: do you have anything additional to add?
Answer 34: No
Question 35: is it truth that things you said above?
Answer 35: Yes.
Question 36: Read the log and sign if you’re agree what’s written on log
Answer36:
Questioner:
Logger:
2017 December 30
Below are the interrogation log 2 in original language:
Below are the translation of the interrogation log 2:
Interrogation Log
Time: from 2018 October 4th 12:30 to 2018 October 4th 18:50
Place: Konashehir County PD Tokuzak Bazaar police station
Place——–
Questioner: ___________ sign: ____________
Logger: ______________ Place: _____________
Defendant: Abdurahman Korban, Sex: Male, Nationality: Uyghur, Age: 33, Major: Farmer, Date of born: 1985 July 11th, identification Number: 653121198507110012.
⬜ Member of communist party, ⬜ None member of communist party
Current place of stay: Konashehir County Tokuza Bazaar 3rd Village 3rd Group,
Place of registered: Konashehir County Tokuza Bazaar 3rd Village 3rd Group,
Contact number: 18299879740
(Being called/ Being detained/ Self-reported/, defendant came here at Year: ____ month: ___ day: ___ time:____, leave here at Year:____ month:___ day:___ time:____ ).
Signature of defendant: ____________
Question 1: we are Konashehir County PD Mush police station police officers, now we going to ask you some questions about the cases according to law, you must answer the question with truth, real and right answers, you can not lie, you can not make evidence, you have a right to not answer the questions does not related to the case. Do you understand clearly.
Answer 1: Yes, I understand.
Question 2: identify yourself!?
Answer 2: My name is Abdurahman Korban, Male, Uyghur, born in 1985 July 11th, ID number: 653121198507110012, elementary school education level, Current place of stay Konashehir County Tokuza Bazaar 3rd Village 3rd group, Place of registered Konashehir County Tokuza Bazaar 3rd Village 3rd group, Farmer, there is 5 people living in my family including me, married, no criminal record.
Question 3: give briefing about your history
Answer 3: I born in 1985, I got home educated till 1992, from 1992 September to 2010 march I also helped my family for farming, in 2010 march I got married with Bukhelchem hikim from Tokkuzak Bazaar 3rd Village, till this day I’m working as farmer.
Question 4: is there anybody in your family has been detained or sentenced?
Answer 4: my uncle Nur memet Ismail got detained in September 2017.
Question 5: is there anything you want to report us?
Answer 5: Ghopur from Konashehir County Tokuza Bazaar 3rd Village 3rd group once told me that <you can’t feed your sheep on others filed it would be sins, you become more like Chinese buying han Chinese house living like han Chinese, you’re not even do preaying>
Questions 6: Korban Ghopur when did he told you this and where? Provide more details
Answer 6: in 2017 April I was feeding my sheep on Urayims field front of the Konasheir County prison, Korban Ghopur (My neighbour) came up and said < if you are feeding your sheep on someone else field someone else’s forest that would be sins>
Question 7: Is Korban Ghopur said other things to you?
Answer 7: in 2018 July when I was feeding my sheeps on the field back of my house, Korban Ghopur came out and said <if you feeding your sheep on someone else’s field, at first you make money but your kid or wife might get sick as Karma, you’ve started drinking and smoking not praying because of your Han Chinese next door neighbour>
Question 8: is there anybody present when Korban Ghopur said these words?
Answer 8: Nobody presents
Question 9: do you have any previous conflicts with Korban Ghopur before?
Answer 9: No, there is no conflict before, when I feed my sheep in the forest and the field front of my door he said those things twice.
Question 10: except the situation above do you know anybody else who have committed any crimes?
Answer 10: No, I don’t know.
Question 11: do you have anything to fill?
Answer 11: No
Question 12: is it truth that you have said above?
Answer 12: it’s truth
Question 13: read the log and if it’s same as what you’ve said then sign it.
Answer 13:
Questioner: __________ Logger:______________
2018 October 4th
References
- Kirby, J. (2020, 9 25). Concentration Camps and Forced Labor: China’s Repression Of The Uighurs. Retrieved 9 2023, from Vox: https://www.vox.com/2020/7/28/21333345/uighurs-china-internment-camps-forced-labor-xinjiang
- Kumar, S. (2021). Uyghurs-Genocide of A Specie. Delhi: India Netbooks LLC USA.
- Irwin, P. (2021). Islam Dispossessed: China’s Persecution of Uyghur Imams and Religious Figures.
