China Raids Koran-Teaching School

One Killed

Friday, 08 June 2012 18:44
Courtesy Of "The European Phoenix"

Chinese police said it raided a Koran-teaching school in Uighur region, China state media said on Wednesday, in what an exiled rights group said was a violent raid.

European Phoenix -- China media said, police "rescued 54 children from illegal preachers". However, a German-based Uighur exile group, the W orld Uyghur Congress, said police had used teargas to attack an Islamic school teaching children the Koran.

"There was a fight, and the authorities used teargas on the young students, causing injuries on both sides," spokesman Dilxat Raxit said in emailed comments.

"The aim was to eradicate religious belief."

Xinjiang is home to Muslim Turkic-speaking Uighur people who calls it East Turkestan.

Muslim Boy Beaten To Death In Custody

Wednesday's clash comes after the WUC accused police in Korla city on Monday of beating a 12-year-old boy to death after a raid on an illegal Islamic school there, charges that authorities have denied.

The child, identified as Mirazhid, 12, was detained on May 20 by police while studying the Koran at a private Islamic school, the WUC said.

China restricts religious education for its youth, forcing Muslims to seek spiritual instruction in private, unsanctioned schools, the group said.