The 2009 Ürümqi riots were one of the deadliest episodes of ethnic violence in China in decades, killing at least 197 people.
Key Facts
- Official death toll
- 197 people
- Injured
- 1,721 people
- Arrested and detained
- over 1,000 people
- Facing criminal charges by Nov 2009
- over 400 people
- Executed (November 2009)
- 9 people
- Death sentences by Feb 2010
- at least 26 people
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
The riots were triggered by the Shaoguan incident, in which false accusations of rape of a Han woman by Uyghur men sparked a brawl between Han and Uyghur factory workers in Guangdong, killing two Uyghurs from Xinjiang. Outrage over this event among Uyghurs in Xinjiang fueled the initial protest that escalated into violence.
On 5 July 2009, at least 1,000 Uyghurs took to the streets of Ürümqi in protest, and the demonstration rapidly escalated into violent riots lasting several days. Attacks primarily targeted Han people and non-Muslim minorities, destroying many vehicles and buildings. Chinese authorities cut telephone and internet connections within Xinjiang as security forces moved to restore order.
Chinese state media reported 197 deaths and 1,721 injuries. Authorities arrested over 1,000 people, closed Uyghur-run mosques, and maintained communications blackouts and armed police presence into January 2010. By November 2009 nine people had been executed, and by February 2010 at least 26 had received death sentences. Human Rights Watch documented 43 enforced disappearances following police sweeps.
Political Outcome
Chinese security forces suppressed the riots; over 1,000 arrested, nine executed by November 2009, communications blockade maintained into January 2010, with the government blaming the World Uyghur Congress.