China: Human Rights Watch accuses Beijing of closing and destroying mosques
China is closing, destroying and repurposing mosques, Human Rights Watch (HRW) has alleged in a new report.
The crackdown is part of a "systematic effort" to curb the practice of Islam in China, HRW said.
There are about 20 million Muslims in China, which is officially atheist but says it allows religious freedom.
Observers, however, say there has been an increased crackdown on organised religion in recent years - with Beijing seeking greater control.ADVERTISEMENT
The BBC contacted China's foreign ministry and ethnic affairs commission for comment in advance of publication of the HRW report.
"The Chinese government's closure, destruction and repurposing of mosques is part of a systemic effort to curb the practice of Islam in China," said Maya Wang, acting China dir...
