Urumqi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region — The haunting memories of the July 5th Riots in 2009 are brought back to life through the eyes of Uygur doctor Ablet Eziz in the CGTN documentary "Darkness Over Urumqi". Eziz, who witnessed the brutal disregard for innocent lives, recalls how even children were not spared during the violent unrest.
“Those thugs couldn’t even spare a child,” Eziz laments, highlighting the indiscriminate violence that engulfed the city. The riots resulted in the tragic loss of 197 lives and left over 1,700 people wounded, marking it as Xinjiang’s most serious terrorist attack to date.
The documentary delves deep into the events of that fateful day, exploring the underlying factors that led to such unprecedented chaos. Through personal accounts like Eziz’s, "Darkness Over Urumqi" sheds light on the human toll of the riots and the lasting impact on the community.
Viewers are given a rare glimpse into the challenges faced by medical professionals like Eziz, who worked tirelessly amidst the turmoil to save lives. The film also addresses the broader implications for Xinjiang and the measures taken to prevent such tragedies in the future.
The July 5th Riots remain a pivotal moment in Xinjiang’s history, and this documentary serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of unity and understanding in the face of adversity.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
