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How many Uyghurs can one message endanger?

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Executive Summary

This short report documents a series of incidents in which Uyghurs have been detained or interrogated after expressing their feelings about mass detentions and the prohibition of Eid al‑Adha celebrations (Qurban Festival). We have translated and analysed some cases we achieved which illustrate how expressions of personal grief, family loss, or cultural tradition are being treated as “sensitive” content by authorities, leading to surveillance, detentions, and criminal charges.

Note: the source of the documents are Xinjiang Police Files.
People’s name and other identity information are blurred for privacy concerns.

1. Context

As a Muslim majority nation, Uyghurs celebrates Eid al‑Adha (Qurban Festival in Uyghur ) which commemorates the Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God. For many families it is a time of prayer, communal meals, and visits to relatives.

Since May 2014, China started so called People’s war against three evil forces which are terrorism, separatism and religious extremism, therefore Uyghurs became state enemy, their culture, language and the way of living being completely targeted.
Xinjiang Police Files provides us some important evidence about state‑imposed restrictions have prevented The Uyghurs to express their feelings and to celebrate the cultural days with loved ones.

2. Case Summaries

# Individual Action Taken Outcome
1 A. x (WeChat ID: wxid_xxxx) Posted a personal reflection on the loss of family members during Eid al‑Adha. Detained by local police; handcuffed at home shortly after posting.
2 B. x & C. x Shared similar feelings in WeChat group chats. Both detained following the posts.
3 A. x Repeated hotel stays (15) in Kashgar and bus rides (21) between townships; posted remarks about Eid al‑Adha restrictions. Flagged as “sensitive”; investigated and recommended for detention under local law.
4 D. x Sent a message to a friend expressing sorrow over missing the holiday with family. Husband E. x (farmer, junior‑high education) later sentenced to 7 years in prison on “gathering a crowd” charges.
5 Multiple relatives of B. x (including husband, father‑in‑law, mother‑in‑law, siblings) Each posted or was associated with holiday‑related messages deemed sensitive. Detained or sentenced for 6–7 years on various “public order” charges.

Note: All personal identifiers have been omitted to protect privacy.

3. Analysis

  1. Pattern of Punitive Action – The common trigger across cases is the public expression (on social media or in private messaging) about emotional distress related to Eid al‑Adha restrictions.
  2. Surveillance Triggered by Routine Activities – Frequent hotel stays and bus travel were recorded as indicators of “sensitive” behavior, leading to investigations.
  3. Collective Impact – The documented incidents represent only a fraction of the broader population experiencing similar scrutiny, indicating systemic suppression of cultural‑religious expression.

4. Human‑Rights Implications

Right Violation Evidence
Freedom of Expression (Art. 19 UDHR) Detention for sharing personal feelings Cases 1–5
Freedom of Religion (Art. 18 UDHR) Prohibition of public religious observance, punitive response to expressions of faith All cases
Right to Family Life (Art. 12 UDHR) Families separated by imprisonment; inability to celebrate together Multiple detentions

5. Recommendations

  1. Public Awareness – Publish a concise briefing on the website and social media channels highlighting these incidents.
  2. Advocacy Outreach – Engage with UN bodies (Human Rights Council, ICCPR) to request independent investigations into the detentions.
  3. Support Services – Provide legal aid resources and secure communication platforms for affected families.
  4. Monitoring Mechanism – Establish a dedicated team to track new cases and update stakeholders quarterly.

6. Conclusion

The suppression of Eid al‑Adha celebrations and the punitive response to expressions of grief represent a broader pattern of human‑rights violations in Xinjiang. By documenting these incidents, we aim to inform policy decisions, support affected individuals, and uphold international standards for freedom of expression and religious practice.

“If you want a picture of the future, imagine a boot stamping on a human face – forever.”

— George Orwell, 1984

Below are the relative documents and it’s translations. These documents came from leaked police files, Shahit.biz provided us for reporting. If you need the original documents, please contact us.

  • Information document:

On August 27, 2018, according to the arrangement of the police station, after the flag-raising ceremony at the village committee of Village x in Oghisaq Town, the village police announced a notice about voluntarily disclosing mobile phone WeChat forwarding or receiving sensitive information that could affect stability. After that, resident F. x (a third-category person’s family member; mother-in-law sentenced, husband, uncle and sister-in-law all re-educated), female, Uyghur, ID 6531211xxxxxxxxxxx, phone xxxxxxxxxxx, registered in Kona Sheher County [疏附县] Oghisaq Town Village x Group x. She voluntarily disclosed that in her mobile phone WeChat group (group name: x, 37 members, group owner G. x, ID 6531211xxxxxxxxxxx, contact xxxxxxxxxxx, address: Xinjiang Kona Sheher County [疏附县] Ghojilar Village Group x No.x) a friend who’s internet nickname is x, real name: H. x; female, Uyghur; ID 6531271xxxxxxxxxxx; mobile xxxxxxxxxxx; registered at x, Unit x, x East Yengi Mehelle Road, Mekit County, Xinjiang), has post containing sensitive information about the Qurban festival blessing text “May those poor compatriots whose parents and relatives are not by their side, with tear‑filled eyes, have a happy holiday; I hope you enjoy the festival well.” F. x’s phone has been handed over to the cyber security brigade for further investigation.

On August 27, 2018, according to the arrangement of the police station, after the flag-raising ceremony at the village committee of Village x in Oghisaq Town, the village police announced a notice about voluntarily disclosing mobile phone WeChat forwarding or receiving sensitive information that could affect stability. After that, resident I. x (a third-category person’s family member; father and husband sentenced), female, Uyghur, ID 6531211xxxxxxxxxxx, phone xxxxxxxxxxx, registered in Kona Sheher County [疏附县] Oghisaq Town Village x Group x. She voluntarily disclosed that in her mobile phone WeChat group (group name x, 15 members) a friend who’s internet nickname is x real name: J. x (ID 6531251xxxxxxxxxxx; mobile xxxxxxxxxxx; address: x, Group x, Kona Bazar Village, Alamet Township, Yeken County, Xinjiang.) forwarded a containing sensitive information Qurban‑Festival blessing that read: “ay those poor compatriots whose parents and relatives are not by their side, with tear‑filled eyes, have a happy holiday; I hope you enjoy the festival well.” Her phone has been sent to the cyber security brigade for further investigation.

On August 27, 2018, according to the arrangement of the police station, after the flag-raising ceremony at the village committee of Village x in Oghisaq Town, the village police announced a notice about voluntarily disclosing mobile phone WeChat forwarding or receiving sensitive information that could affect stability. After that, Oghisaq Town, Village x Assitstant Police K. x (third-category person’s family; mother re-educated), male, Uyghur, ID 6531211xxxxxxxxxxx, phone xxxxxxxxxxx, registered in Kona Sheher County [疏附县] Oghisaq Town Village x Group x. He voluntarily reported a friend named L. x who shared a post on his WeChat Moments: “May those poor compatriots whose parents and relatives are not by their side, with tear‑filled eyes, have a happy holiday; I hope you enjoy the festival well.” etc. containing sensitive information, after seeing that he forwarded it to his own Moments. His phone has been sent to the cyber security brigade for further investigation.

On August 27, 2018, according to the arrangement of the police station, after the flag-raising ceremony at the village committee of Village x in Oghisaq Town, the village police announced a notice about voluntarily disclosing mobile phone WeChat forwarding or receiving sensitive information that could affect stability. After that, Oghisaq Town, Village x resident M. x (third-category person’s family; elder sister re-educated), male, Uyghur, ID 6531211xxxxxxxxxxx, phone xxxxxxxxxxx, registered in Kona Sheher County [疏附县] Oghisaq Town Village x Group x. He voluntarily disclosed that he had viewed a friend sharing on WeChat Moments the text “May those poor compatriots whose parents and relatives are not by their side, with tear‑filled eyes, have a happy holiday; I hope you enjoy the festival well.” The content was deemed sensitive. His phone is currently under further investigation, and his real‑world conduct and activity trail are being closely monitored.

Original document:

  • 2. Summary Material of N. x document:

Summary Material of N. x

Basic information about N. x:

N. x, female, Uyghur, 37 years old, Date of birth: October 1, 1981, farmer, Education level: Middle‑school graduate. ID number:  6531211xxxxxxxxxxx, Household registration and current address: Group x, Village x, Oghisaq Town, Kona Sheher County [疏附县]. Family size 4, no criminal record. Phone number xxxxxxxxxxx, WeChat account xxxx.

Behavior:

Around December 2016, N. x created a WeChat account. On August 25, 2018 at approximately 17:00, she received a WeChat friend request from O. x (female, 37 years old, Uyghur, resident of Group x, Village x, Oghisaq Town). O. x posted on her Moments the following sensitive Qurban‑Festival blessing: “Without you, the house is full of dust; without you, the house is full of smog. The flowers in the house wither as well—Mom, don’t let me miss you too much. When I can’t think of your food or tea, we all sigh and lament because you’re not there. There’s no smiling face where you’re absent—Mom, don’t let me miss you so badly. The days without you are mournful; when you’re gone we hardly have any holidays. Your absent keep shedding tears nonstop—Mom, don’t let me miss you too much.” She then uploaded this information to her own WeChat Moments.

O. x, On August 27, 2018, during the flag‑raising ceremony at the village committee, she heard a police officer’s announcement and voluntarily approached the police office to turn herself in.

Date: 30 August 2018

Original document:

O. x

  • 3. Analysis of Social and Political Situation in Tashmiliq Township, Kona Sheher County [疏附县] Police Station – September document:

Analysis and Judgment Materials on Enemy Situation in Tashmiliq Township, Kona Sheher County [疏附县] Public Security Bureau – September

I. Overall Situation Analysis of Jurisdiction

This month, the Tashmiliq Police Station strictly implemented the overall requirements of the superior Party Committee and leadership, and diligently carried out stabilization work. Through door-to-door verification, social surface patrols, intelligence gathering, and floating population management, the jurisdiction has been maintained safely and stably. This month, our station collected 67 pieces of intelligence, utilized 30, including 24 concerning enemy situations, 2 concerning political situations, and 1 concerning social situations, with 5 involving the internet. After analysis and judgment by the station’s intelligence group, the following prominent issues are reported below:

  1. Young people among relatives of detainees exhibit frequent activity, contact, and instability of thought. Some third-category individuals’ relatives superficially acknowledge the reasons for detention and sentencing, but they have not yet fully realized the harm that extreme ideology and behavior inflict on society and possess a risk of retaliatory action.
  2. Some detainees’ children utilize WeChat Moments to express longing for relatives, exhibiting instability in thought and emotion, potentially inciting surrounding individuals to respond, possessing a risk of self-harm, self-mutilation, and joint action.
  3. Recently, the number of migrant workers and cotton pickers has increased, making it difficult to grasp their ideological activities, and it is difficult to collect valuable intelligence information in a timely and effective manner.
  4. Intelligence channels are narrow, with few and inexperienced secret sources providing valuable intelligence. Coupled with insufficient door-to-door visits by police station officers to collect intelligence information, it is impossible to promptly grasp enemy situations, social situations, and public sentiment.

II. Social and Internet Hotspots Potentially Affecting Jurisdictional Stability

(I) Dissemination of Political Rumors Affecting Social Stability.

On Saturday, September 4, 2018, resident P. x (ID number: 6531211xxxxxxxxxxx, registered domicile: Tashmiliq Township Aral Village, Group x, Household number; his wife, Q. x, ID number: 6531211xxxxxxxxxxx, sentenced to 5 years imprisonment in May 2017 for listening to illegal preaching’s) informed secret sources: “A dozen leaders of Muslim countries came to China to speak to Xi Jinping, saying: ‘What about our Muslims? What about our mosques? Why are you doing this? You need to find these people!’” Putting pressure on Xi Jinping. Xi Jinping said: “I didn’t order the arrests, and I didn’t order the demolition of mosques. These matters were all arranged by local governments. I don’t know.” Then they (referring to Muslim leaders) went to prisons and met with Muslim detainees, asking: “Why were you arrested?” So the government is now teaching detainees how to answer questions about the reasons for their arrest. Now the government wants to release them, but doesn’t know how. Today, there have been conversations on three different locations regarding this topic, and I’d like to know if you have any new information on this.”

(II) Instability of Thought Among Relatives of Detainees.

    1. R. x, a student in Village x, Group x of our jurisdiction, whose father is sentenced, has been emotionally unstable since his father’s detention, frequently saying and crying: “Why was my father detained? Why isn’t my father released?” In April 2018, R. x self-harmed by cutting his wrist. R. x has repeatedly prepared to visit the village committee and police station officers to inquire about the reasons for his father’s continued detention, but relatives prevent him. The individual’s emotional instability and suspicious activities currently warrant continued monitoring by the police station.
    2. Within Our Jurisdiction, Village x, Group x, S. x (Identification: Relative of a detained individual, registered domicile: Village x, Group x, Tashmiliq Township, Identification Number: 6531211xxxxxxxxxxx) and T. x (Relative of a detained individual, registered domicile: Village x, Group x, Tashmiliq Township, Identification Number: 6531211xxxxxxxxxxx) during a drinking discussion in July 2018, stated: “My wife was unjustly detained, some problematic individuals have not been detained, the detained individual is experiencing great hardship. He also stated he once viewed illegal books, which are currently hidden in his home.” Currently, we are continuing the investigation.
    3. Within Our Jurisdiction, Village x, Group x, U. x (Identification: Registered domicile: Tashmiliq Township, Village x, Group x, Identification Number: 6531211xxxxxxxxxxx). Both parents are detained individual. Recently, during a family visit at the Vocational Education and Training Center, he discovered his mother is ill and unable to speak. U. x returned to the jurisdiction and exhibited behavior indicating distress, a desire not to live, and unwillingness to continue living. We are continuing the investigation and monitoring.
    4. Recently, within our jurisdiction, V. x (Identification Number: 6531211xxxxxxxxxxx, Family member of a “Third Category” individual, daughter W. x, 6531211xxxxxxxxxxx has been sentenced, son X. x 6531211xxxxxxxxxxx has been sentenced, son Y. x 6531211xxxxxxxxxxx has been sentenced, daughter-in-law Z. x 6531211xxxxxxxxxxx has been sentenced) argued with AA. x (ID:6531211xxxxxxxxxxx), the Women’s League Director of Tashmiliq Township, due to land disputes. During the argument, V. x told AA. x: “You are very familiar with the situation of our family. Our family was arrested because of your reporting and denouncing. If you report and arrest everyone left in our family, you will be satisfied? Then I will denounce your family and send them to my sons.” Currently, V. x is dissatisfied with the detention of her family members (a total of 4 individuals) and has grievances towards the village cadre. We are continuing to monitor.

(III) The situation of family members of detained individuals publicly posting destabilizing statements and collusion is prominent.

1. Resident of our jurisdiction, Village x, Group x, AB. x (Identification Number: 6531211xxxxxxxxxxx, student at Jilin University of Finance and Economics, mobile number: xxxxxxxxxxx). The content posted on WeChat Moments: “AC. x brother, where are you? You know? My longing for you is increasing, it cannot be expressed in words. Who? Who? Who doesn’t understand my inner feelings? Brother, do you know? I really miss you today. What should I do? Please tell me. I’m waiting for you, I’m waiting for you for a long time. Yes, I can still wait for you, but I don’t know how long. My father, my mother, and my brother’s handsome brothers are also there. They are my spiritual pillars. Thank you. You have worked hard. Mom and Dad have worked so hard to raise me, thank you! Also, AD. x and AE. x brothers, without your support, I would not have had the opportunity to go to school and continue studying. Thank you, my most respected people! Take good care of yourselves. Respect you all. Goodbye. Take good care of yourselves all. I love you all.” Recently, 3 similar incidents have occurred within our jurisdiction. We are continuing the investigation.

2. Recently, within our jurisdiction, Village x, Group x, AF. x (Farmer, Identification Number: 6531211xxxxxxxxxxx, registered domicile: Village x, Group x, Tashmiliq Township). This individual habitually uses his mobile phone. During a check of mobile phones of detained individual relatives on September 2018, it was discovered that AF. x has 9 WeChat groups within his WeChat account: first, named xxxx, total 208 people; second, named xxxx, total 108 people; third, named xxxx, total 302 people; fourth, named xxxx, total 102 people; fifth, named xxxx, total 491 people; sixth, named xxxx, total 321 people; seventh, named xxxx, total 98 people (names); eighth, named xxxx, total 28 people; ninth, named xxxx, total 28 people; tenth, named xxxx, total 20 people (all are residents of Village x, Group x, detained individual relatives, aged 17-35, group leader AF. x). The total number of people within all WeChat accounts is approximately 2000, mostly from Urumqi, Aksu, Hotan, Kashgar, Bulaksu Township, and Tashmiliq Township. The relatives of detained individuals are present in all WeChat groups. During the phone check, no unusual statements or audio, videos were found. These individuals initially recognized each other through listening to songs and interacting; however, there is a potential for collusion and conspiring actions. We are continuing the investigation and have assigned covert forces for surveillance.

III. Risks and Hidden Dangers that Could Affect Stability in Our Jurisdiction

  1. The social relationships in the Sijie Village jurisdiction are complex, and the families of detained individuals exhibit unstable ideologies. For example, Aktu people frequently visit our jurisdiction to shop at the bazaar, often leading to fights between our people and Aktu people vying for resources. Furthermore, a considerable number of the families of detained individuals are from Aktu, and considerable number of individuals are involved in Barin Township incidents are from our jurisdiction.
  2. Among the children of detained individuals in our jurisdiction, there is ideological instability and suicidal thoughts. On September 2018, AG. x (female, Uyghur, ID: 6531212xxxxxxxxxxx, registered domicile: Tashmiliq Township, Village x, Group x, student at Kashgar Vocational Education and Training Center, 2017 Clothing Class) was found to have pills (likely tranquilizers or pain medication) in her pocket. She reported no illness but has been experiencing low spirits. Following this information, our station immediately arranged for a police officer to speak with AG. x. She stated that her mother, AH. x, has been sentenced to seven years in prison, and her brother, AI. x, is detained. Since the detention of her mother and brother, she has been unstable. Her other brother, AJ. x, drives a taxi in Kashgar and rarely returns home. AG. x expressed feelings of loneliness and a desire to die and commit suicide. She previously attempted suicide by taking pills last year, which were successfully treated. Our station has assigned an informant to continue monitoring her actions.
  3. Recently, it was discovered that AK. x (relative of a detained individual, ID: 6531211xxxxxxxxxxx, registered domicile: Tashmiliq Township, Village x, Group x) previously served as a village committee member. He was removed from the position due to repeated drinking with other men. Because of comments and gossip from people around her regarding this behavior, AK. x felt ashamed and sent suicide-themed images to his friends. Our station is currently conducting further observation.

IV. Dynamics of Key Individuals Involved in Stability Concerns and Groups in Our Jurisdiction

The three individuals—AL. x (relative of a detained individual, ID: 6531211xxxxxxxxxxx), AM. x (relative of a detained individual, ID: 6531211xxxxxxxxxxx), and AN. x (relative of a detained individual, ID: 6531211xxxxxxxxxxx) — of Tashmiliq Township, Village x, Group x, have a close relationship. Before the crackdown, these three did not drink or smoke. Recently, it has been observed that they frequently drink together, work together, and assist each other with household chores. Their close relationship and gatherings for work and drinking are suspicious. Our station has assigned secret forces to continue monitoring.

V. Situation of Public Order, Criminal, and Other Cases

One public order incident occurred in our jurisdiction this month and has been resolved. Two criminal cases occurred, one has been resolved, and one is currently under investigation.

VI. Next Steps

  1. Intensify the Strength of Secret Forces. In the next phase of work, our station will maximize the role of secret forces to diligently uncover insider intelligence in the religious domain, among floating populations, the families of individuals classified as “Third Category,” unemployed individuals, and special industries.
  2. Strengthen Propaganda Efforts and Enhance Resistance to Extreme Ideological Penetration. Our station will comprehensively combine “Four Same, Four Send,” night schools, family unity activities, flag-raising activities to strengthen propaganda and effectively resist ideological penetration, clarifying the harms of extreme ideologies and behaviors.
  3. Strictly Implement Floating Population Management Mechanisms. We will continuously strengthen and improve floating population management files and ledgers, strictly implement the “369” work mechanism, thoroughly manage floating population dynamics, promptly connect with incoming and outgoing locations, actively reduce risks, and effectively manage the trajectory and ideological state, performing dynamic control and further improving the relationship between management and services.
  4. Make Full Use of Various Information Platforms to Support Practical Operations. Utilize the Police Comprehensive Platform, Unified Combat Platform, and Public Security Cloud to regularly conduct targeted online patrols, promptly discover abnormal activity trajectories of personnel, and promptly eliminate safety hazards.

 

Tashmiliq Township Police Station, Kona Sheher County [疏附县] Public Security Bureau. September 24, 2018.

Original document:

  • 4. Kona Sheher County [疏附县] Public Security Bureau Deepening Strict Crackdown Investigation and In-Depth Clue Mining Special Report documnt:

Kona Sheher County [疏附县] Public Security Bureau Deepening Strict Crackdown Investigation and In-Depth Clue Mining Special Report

(Issue ___)

Kona Sheher County [疏附县] Public Security Bureau September 7, 2018

The situation of the case involving A. x and others, the ten people from Bulaksu Township, broadcasting sensitive remarks related to the Qurban Festival and covert teaching measures.

In accordance with the requirements for deepening strict crackdown investigation and in-depth clue mining, our bureau has continued to conduct in-depth investigations. Recently, Kona Sheher County [疏附县] Public Security Bureau carried out an investigation based on a regional notification clue (clue number: 175518); details are as follows.

    1. A. x

(a) Basic information of the person

A. x, male, Uyghur, ID number 6531211xxxxxxxxxxx, address: No.x, Group x, Tagharchi Yengichke Village, Bulaksu Township, Kona Sheher County [疏附县], Xinjiang; mobile phone: xxxxxxxxxxx. Relative of a detained person.

(b) Clue and case involvement

On September 1, 2018, according to the cooperation clue issued by the Internet Security Detachment of Kashgar Police Bureau (clue number: 175518), on August 21, 2018, A. x forwarded a message via WeChat to his friend C. x (WeChat nickname: x, WeChat ID: wxid_xxxx) with the content: “The Qurban Festival has come, but the father who slaughtered sheep for the celebration is absent; the mother of the stuffed intestines, lungs, and fried sesame sticks is also gone. The brothers and sisters preparing the lamb are missing. When the Qurban Festival arrives, no one shares a pot of soup with us; without our caring relatives, the festival brings a sense of loneliness. People keep saying the holiday has arrived—where is the holiday? I have not brought those we miss to be near us.”

(c) Family situation.

Mother: AO. x, female, ID number 6531211xxxxxxxxxxx, household registration address: No.x, Group x, Tagharchi Yengichke, Bulaksu Township, Kona Sheher County [疏附县], Xinjiang; within jurisdiction.

Wife: AP. x, female, ID number 6530221xxxxxxxxxxx, household registration address: No.x, Group x, Tagharchi Yengichke Village, Bulaksu Township, Kona Sheher County [疏附县], Xinjiang, within jurisdiction.

Daughter: AQ. x, female, ID number 6531212xxxxxxxxxxx, household registration address: No.x, Group x, Tagharchi Yengichke Village, Bulaksu Township, Kona Sheher County [疏附县], Xinjiang, within jurisdiction.

Daughter: AR. x, female, ID number 6531212xxxxxxxxxxx, household registration address: No.x, Group x, Tagharchi Yengichke Village, Bulaksu Township, Kona Sheher County [疏附县], Xinjiang, within jurisdiction.

Eldest brother: AS. x, male, ID number 6531211xxxxxxxxxxx, household registration address: No.x, Group x, Tagharchi Yengichke Village, Bulaksu Township, Kona Sheher County [疏附县], Xinjiang; was detained by Kona Sheher County [疏附县] Public Security Bureau on September 18, 2017.

Second brother: AT. x, male, ID number 6531211xxxxxxxxxxx, household registration address: No.x, Group x, Tagharchi Yengichke Village, Bulaksu Township, Kona Sheher County [疏附县], Xinjiang; convicted of disturbing public order by gathering crowds on May 15, 2017 and sentenced to six years.

Second sister-in-law: AU. x, female, ID number 6531211xxxxxxxxxxx, household registration address: No.x, Group x, Tagharchi Yengichke Village, Bulaksu Township, Kona Sheher County [疏附县], Xinjiang; was detained by Kona Sheher County [疏附县] Public Security Bureau on June 1, 2018.

(d) Situation of the interrogation

  1. On 21 August 2018, A. x (WeChat nickname x, WeChat ID: wxid_xxxx, mobile phone: xxxxxxxxxxx) received a text message from a WeChat group x with 17 members. The sender was B. x (WeChat nickname x, WeChat ID: wxid_xxxx, phone number: xxxxxxxxxxx), a member of Group x in Village x of Bulaksu Township, Kona Sheher County [疏附县]; the x’st village cadre there is responsible for labor dispatch. The message read: “The Qurban Festival has come, but the father who slaughtered sheep for the celebration is absent. The Qurban Festival has come, the mother of stuffed intestines, lungs, and fried sesame sticks is not here. The brothers and sisters preparing the lamb are missing. When the Qurban Festival arrives, no one shares a pot of soup with us; without our caring relatives, the festival brings loneliness. People keep saying the holiday has arrived—where is the holiday? I have not brought those we miss to be near us.”
  1. On 21 August 2018, A. x forwarded a similar message via WeChat to his friend C. x (WeChat nickname x, WeChat ID: wxid_xxxx). The content was the same as above.

(e) Integrated assessment

Overview of activity trajectory. From 6 January 2013 to 28 April 2014, A. x had 15 hotel‑stay records in Kashgar. From 22 May 2017 to 22 August 2018, he has 21 bus‑travel records from Bulaksu Township (Kona Sheher County [疏附县]) to Pilal Township (Aktu County[阿克陶县]).

(f) Disposition recommendation

In summary, A. x made remarks about the Qurban Festival during the festival period that contain sensitive content related to religious practices; it is recommended that he be lawfully detained for examination.

 

…

 

Original document:

Qurban Festival

 

  • 5. Village 8 – Sensitive Information Affecting Stability During the Qurban Festival

Village 8 – Sensitive Information Affecting Stability During the Qurban Festival

(1) On 27 August 2018, following an arrangement by the Oghisaq Police Station, after the flag‑raising ceremony conducted by the Village x Committee of Oghisaq Town, village police announced a notice urging residents to voluntarily disclose any mobile phone or WeChat messages that contained sensitive information potentially affecting stability. After this announcement, AV. x (a family member of Category III personnel’s and Mother-in-Law is under education transformation), female, Uyghur, ID number 6531211xxxxxxxxxxx, mobile xxxxxxxxxxx, WeChat nickname x, WeChat ID xxxx, resident of Group x, Village x, Oghisaq Town, Kona Sheher County [疏附县], voluntarily disclosed that her friend AW. x (female, Uyghur, ID number 6531011xxxxxxxxxxx, contact number xxxxxxxxxxx, resident of No. x, Group x, Orda Ishiki Street, Kashgar City, Xinjiang) had sent a WeChat message to AV. x containing the following sensitive content in a Qurban Festival blessing: “May those poor compatriots whose parents and relatives are not by their side, with tear‑filled eyes, have a happy holiday; I hope you enjoy the festival well.” The phone of this person has now been handed over to the Cybersecurity Brigade for further investigation.

(2) On 27 August 2018, following an arrangement by the Oghisaq Police Station, after the flag‑raising ceremony conducted by the Village 8 Committee of Oghisaq Town, village police announced a notice urging residents to voluntarily disclose any mobile phone or WeChat messages that contained sensitive information potentially affecting stability. After this announcement, Av. x (a family member of Category III personnel’s and Mother-in-Law is under education transformation), female, Uyghur, ID number 6531211xxxxxxxxxxx, mobile xxxxxxxxxxx, WeChat nickname x, WeChat ID xxxx, resident of Group x, Village x, Oghisaq Town, Kona Sheher County [疏附县], sent a WeChat message to her friend AX. x (female, Uyghur, ID number 6531211xxxxxxxxxxx, contact number xxxxxxxxxxx, WeChat nickname x, WeChat ID wxid-xxxx, a key individual under Category III personnel’s family). The message contained the following sensitive content in a Qurban Festival blessing: “May those poor compatriots whose parents and relatives are not by their side, with tear‑filled eyes, have a happy holiday; I hope you enjoy the festival well.” The phone of this person has now been handed over to the Cybersecurity Brigade for further investigation.

Original document:

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER:

  • These are translation of official government documents, which related to surveillance and social control activities. The language used reflects that context and may contain terminology unfamiliar to those outside of such systems.
  • The tone and phrasing are direct and potentially insensitive. We have attempted to preserve the original language as accurately as possible, which means some phrasing may be jarring or concerning.
  • These translation is provided for informational purposes only. It does not constitute an endorsement of any policies or actions described within the documents. The purpose is to shed light on the methods and concerns of the authorities in a specific context.
  • Please handle these information responsibly and with sensitivity to the individuals and communities potentially affected. The data could be harmful if used inappropriately.
  • The “369” mechanism is a code for a system of community surveillance and reporting requirements. “Four Same, Four Send” is a propaganda campaign.

 

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