The New Dominion

TND has received word that, as of around 7:30 PM local time/9:30 PM Beijing time, there is a riot in progress at the Grand Bazaar in Urumchi.  Reports, so far unverified, claim that riot police are using tear gas and fire hoses to disperse thousands of rioters, who are breaking windows and overturning barricades.

The riots may be in response to the 26 June clash between Uyghur and Han workers at the Xuri Toy Factory in Shaoguan, Guangdong Province.  In that incident, a Han worker, having been fired from the factory, spread rumors that male workers recently arrived from Xinjiang had raped two female Han workers.  The rumors led to an all-night fight in which Han workers attacked Uyghurs in the dormitory courtyard, then forced their way into the Xinjiang workers’ dorm, killing two.

International Uyghur leader Rebia Kadeer (Rabiyä Qadir) has called for Uyghurs to protest in response to the Shaoguan incident.  Her degree of influence on this evening’s events is as unclear as the details of the protests.  If Uyghurs (and let us not assume these are all Uyghurs) have responded to her encouragement, it would be the first time she has had a clear influence on events in Xinjiang since going into exile.

TND is seeking confirmation of the rumors.  There has been nothing on the Web thus far.  If you have any information, please let us know, but avoid putting yourself at risk.