China is tracking Muslims embarking on the annual Hajj pilgrimage in what experts say is likely part of widespread government surveillance

Kevin Frayer/Getty Images

• Chinese Muslims embarking on the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca are being outfitted with GPS trackers in what experts are warning is likely part of China's widespread surveillance programs.
• The state-run China Islamic Association said the purpose of the system is to make the trip safer for the thousands of pilgrims required to wear the device. 
• However, experts say that many Muslims in China are closely monitored by the government, and the trackers are likely an extension of the surveillance systems already in place. 

---

Chinese Muslims embarking on the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca are being outfitted with GPS trackers in what experts are warning is likely part of China's widespread surveillance program already in place.

This year, about 11,500 Chinese Muslims are expected to head to Saudi Arabia for the month-long Hajj celebration, beginning on August 19, a slow decline from 14,500 in 2016 and 12,800 last year.

See the rest of the story at Business Insider

NOW WATCH: INSIDE WEST POINT: What it’s really like for new Army cadets on their first day

See Also:

• Cracks may be starting to show in Xi Jinping's absolute rule over China because of Trump's trade war
• Saudi Arabia suspends flights to Canada in ongoing feud over human-rights arrests
• Taiwan's got a new cruise missile, and it's got mainland China's coastal strongholds in its sights

SEE ALSO: Chinese Muslims have to pledge loyalty to the Communist Party before they can leave the country for the journey to Mecca

from Business Insider https://ift.tt/2OtQcfw