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How I Survived a Chinese Re-Education Camp: A Survivor's Testimony

Ivan Turner

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How I Survived A Chinese 'Re-education' Camp: A Uyghur Woman’s Story

by Gulbahar Haitiwaji

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
File size	:	1577 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	203 pages

An Unforgettable Night

The night of April 15, 2018, will forever be etched in my memory. It was the night my life was shattered, and I found myself trapped in a living nightmare.

As darkness descended upon my village in Xinjiang, China, I was awakened by a thunderous pounding on the door. Fear coursed through my veins as I stumbled out of bed. Outside, under the harsh glare of flashlights, stood a group of armed police officers.

"You're under arrest," they barked. Without explanation, they handcuffed me and bundled me into a police van. As we drove away, I could see my family and neighbors watching helplessly, their faces etched with terror.

Inside the Camp

The re-education camp was a bleak and unforgiving place. Hundreds of detainees, mostly Uyghurs like myself, were crammed into overcrowded cells. We were subjected to constant surveillance, humiliation, and physical and psychological torture.

Every day, we were forced to attend "political study" sessions where we were bombarded with Communist Party propaganda. We were told to denounce our religion and embrace the Chinese Communist Party as our supreme leader.

Those who refused to comply were severely punished. Beatings, sleep deprivation, and forced labor were commonplace. I witnessed countless acts of brutality, including the electric shock of inmates and the arbitrary solitary confinement of those who spoke out against the guards.

Psychological Warfare

The psychological abuse in the camp was just as insidious as the physical torture. We were subjected to daily brainwashing sessions, designed to break our spirits and make us compliant.

We were forced to sing patriotic songs and recite Communist Party slogans. We were told that our families were traitors and that we were enemies of the state. The constant pressure and isolation took an enormous toll on our mental health.

Many detainees developed symptoms of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Some even tried to take their own lives. The guards watched with indifference as we struggled to hold onto our sanity.

Forced Labor and Cultural Genocide

In addition to the physical and psychological torture, we were also subjected to forced labor. We were forced to work long hours in factories, producing goods for Chinese companies.

The work was grueling, and the conditions were appalling. We were often denied food and water and forced to work without breaks. Many detainees developed physical injuries and illnesses due to the harsh working conditions.

The Chinese government's actions in Xinjiang amount to cultural genocide. The Uyghur language, culture, and religion are being systematically suppressed. Children are being separated from their families and placed in boarding schools where they are forbidden to speak their native language and practice their faith.

A Glimmer of Hope

Despite the horrors I endured, I never gave up hope of freedom. I clung to the belief that one day I would be reunited with my family and loved ones.

After two long years, I was finally released from the camp. I am grateful for the support of international human rights organizations and governments who have condemned China's actions in Xinjiang.

I am now living in exile in the United States, where I continue to advocate for the rights of Uyghurs and other victims of China's repression. I know that the fight for justice is far from over, but I am determined to continue speaking out until the Chinese people are free.

How I Survived A Chinese 'Re-education' Camp: A Uyghur Woman’s Story

by Gulbahar Haitiwaji

4.2 out of 5