“Like we were enemies in a war”

China’s Mass Internment, Torture and Persecution of Muslims in Xinjiang

“Like we were enemies in a war” China’s Mass Internment, Torture and Persecution of Muslims in Xinjiang

Illustrations by Molly Crabapple

Rusuli Simayi

如苏里 · 斯马义

Assumed Location

Internment camp

Suspected Reasons for Arrest or Detention

Successful Uyghur enterpreneur

Official Reason for Arrest or Detention

Unknown

Last Contact

2017/2018

Rusul’s niece has been studying in Turkey. She has lost contact with him after 25 May 2017, because it was dangerous for her relatives in Xinjiang to be in touch with her. Later she found out that, like his wife and other family members, Rusul had been taken to an internment camp in Kumul city of eastern Xinjiang. He was a well-known businessman in Kumul with a considerable net worth. His niece believes that the Chinese government targets successful Uyghur people like Rusul. Rusul’s ’s brother-in-law Mahmud Hamdullah, and other brother-in-law [Abdukirem Hamdullah] (#case-SR118) are also in detention.

Personal Details

Rusul loves swimming, camping and hiking around mountainous areas in Kumul. He is also fond of carpentry and self-development.

Date of Birth

Ethnicity

Uyghur

Hometown

Kumul

Profession

Enterpreneur

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