Torture of political prisoners in the XUAR is reported to be systematic. Some have been tortured with particularly cruel methods which, to Amnesty International's knowledge, are not being used elsewhere in China. This includes the insertion of horse hair into the penis, or a special wire with small spikes which fold flat when inserted but extend when it is pulled out. According to former political prisoners, such methods of sexual torture have been used in the region for many years. In the XUAR, as elsewhere in China, political trials are a mere formality as the verdict is usually pre-determined by the political authorities.
Few defendants have access to lawyers.
Violence has increased in the XUAR in recent years in proportion to repression, curbs on fundamental freedoms and the erosion of the indigenous population's economic, social and cultural rights. Over the years, Uighurs' attempts to air their views or grievances and peacefully exercise their most fundamental human rights have been met with repression. The denial of legitimate channels for expressing grievances and discontent has led to outbursts of violence, including by people who are not involved in political opposition activities. Amnesty International recognises the state's duty to take the measures necessary to maintain law and order, but even in situations of internal strife, this must be exercised within the limits set by international human rights law. Killings by members of armed opposition groups can never provide justification for government forces to deliberately kill defenceless people or torture prisoners in police custody.