Massive protests erupted in China’s far western Xinjiang region on Friday as long-simmering frustrations over the country’s strict COVID-19 policies hit a boiling point when claims circulated online blaming lockdown restrictions for hindering escape from a deadly apartment building fire.
Multiple videos said to be from the Xinjiang capital of Urumqi and shared on social media painted a picture of residents furious at the draconian “zero-COVID” policies imposed by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
Crowds chanted “End the lockdown!” pumping their fists in the air as they walked down a street, according to videos circulated on social media.
What sounded like gunfire was heard in a video said to be from an Uyghur district in the city….