China says there is no discrimination in Xinjiang ahead of Ramadan

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Thu Jun 2, 2016 5:41am
BEIJING | BY MICHAEL MARTINA

China said on Thursday there was no religious discrimination in the far-western region of Xinjiang and there would be no interference in the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, despite criticism from rights groups.

Ramadan, which begins next week, is a sensitive time in Xinjiang, where deadly attacks in recent years blamed by Beijing on Islamist militants have left hundreds dead.

Authorities in Xinjiang in the past have stepped up controls on the practice of Islam followed by the Uighur ethnic minority during Ramadan. There has been criticism of people having been banned from worship and that restaurants had been forced to stay open.

Muslims worldwide observe Ramadan, during which many abstain from eating and drinking during daylight hours.

http://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-xinjiang-religion-idUSKCN0YO0HH