China expands its draconian surveillance systems intended to monitor, track, and persecute citizens, with particular attention to transient and religious populations.
China
Call to Action: Time to Increase Pressure to Save Uyghurs
Repeating the message “Never Again,” broad coalition rallies to stop cultural genocide in China, call for specific US government action.
Fake News to Hide Forcible Demolition of Church
After destroying a church under construction, authorities issued a news release, claiming that the church was a “private building in violation of building laws.”
Ancient Buddhist Temple Suppressed in Shanxi Province
Authorities are harassing a once flourishing, more than 1,000-year-old temple and subject monks to increased control and indoctrination.
Book in Italian on The Church of Almighty God Launched in Rome
During the Mondoreligioni festival, Massimo Introvigne’s book was introduced by sociologist PierLuigi Zoccatelli and lawyer Francesco Curto.
Officials: Village not “Civilized” if Places of Worship Present
The Chinese authorities have linked religious issues with the local governments’ performance in office, intensifying religious persecution.
Xinjiang Uyghurs Treated as “Terrorists”
Merely due to their ethnic identity, Xinjiang Uyghurs are subjected to surveillance and control by the Chinese authorities.
Catholic Churches in Shaanxi Converted into Community Centers
As an alternative to demolition, Catholics are told that their churches should be stripped of all religious symbols. Once this has been done, the buildings are declared “cultural centers” where religious activities are prohibited.
More Three-Self Churches Shut down in Henan
Authorities’ crackdown on Three-Self churches remains unabated: some have been sealed off or shut down, and believers have been subjected to violent beatings.
Anti-Religious Bounty Hunters in Guangzhou: The Full Story
Last week, several media reported that rewards were offered in Guangzhou to citizens reporting illegal religious activities to the police. Here is the full story.