Amnesty International Secretary General Agnès Callamard is accusing Chinese authorities of creating “a dystopian hellscape on a staggering scale”.
“It should shock the conscience of humanity that massive numbers of people have been subjected to brainwashing, torture and other degrading treatment in internment camps.”
Secretary General Agnès Callamard
In a 160-page report based on interviews with 55 former detainees,
Amnesty says there is evidence the Chinese state has committed “at least the following crimes against humanity: imprisonment or other severe deprivation of physical liberty.”
The report documents how, since early 2017, huge numbers of men and women from predominantly Muslim ethnic minorities in Xinjiang have been arbitrarily detained.
They include hundreds of thousands who have been sent to prisons in addition to hundreds of thousands – perhaps even a million or more – who have been sent to internment camps.
Other than being escorted under armed guard to and from canteens, classes or interrogation, detainees practically never leave their cells and rarely see sunlight or have outdoor access or exercise.
“China must immediately dismantle the internment camps, release the people arbitrarily detained in them and in prisons, and end the systematic attacks against Muslims in Xinjiang.”
SECRETARY GENERAL AGNÈS CALLAMARD
Systematic torture
Every former detainee Amnesty International interviewed suffered torture or other ill-treatment.
This included the cumulative psychological effect of their daily dehumanization, as well as physical torture in the form of beatings, electric shocks and solitary confinement.
China denies those accusations, and says its camps in Xinjiang are voluntary vocational and de-radicalisation programmes for combating terrorism in the region.
In a closed-door vote, Senator Thune takes on a pivotal leadership role as Senate Republicans look to the future.
In a significant shift within Senate Republican leadership, Senator John Thune of South Dakota has been elected as the new Senate GOP leader, taking over from long-time leader Senator Mitch McConnell.
The decision came after a secret ballot vote among GOP members, marking the end of McConnell’s influential tenure.
Thune, who has served as Senate Minority Whip, is widely recognized for his strategic acumen and steady approach to party leadership.
His appointment signals both continuity and potential change as Senate Republicans prepare to navigate a challenging legislative environment and upcoming elections.
With McConnell stepping back, questions arise about how Thune’s leadership will shape GOP strategies on key issues, from fiscal policy to judicial appointments.
Analysts note that his leadership style is expected to maintain unity while possibly adopting fresh tactics to strengthen the party’s legislative influence.
As Thune steps into this prominent role, Republicans and observers alike will watch how his leadership influences the Senate’s dynamics and the broader political landscape.
The transition reflects a pivotal moment for the GOP as it positions itself for future electoral and legislative battles.
The Wall Street Journal is experimenting with AI to summarise its articles.
Readers will see a “Key Points” box at the top of select stories, featuring AI-generated summaries that are checked by editors. This new feature is being tested to assess reader engagement, offering bullet points that highlight key information.
The box includes a note explaining the use of AI, as WSJ explores new ways to add value for subscribers. Other news outlets, like USA Today, are also testing similar AI tools, though some caution readers to consult full articles due to potential AI errors.