China says Internet fully restored in Xinjiang (10 months after shutting down access)

Source: AP

BEIJING – China's riot-torn western region of Xinjiang said it fully restored the Internet on Friday, 10 months after shutting down access over allegations that agitators used the Web to stir up ethnic violence that killed nearly 200 people.

Internet access and text messaging services were cut in the wake of the July riots in Xinjiang that wounded an additional 1,600 people and sparked a massive security crackdown still in place. Almost 200 accused rioters have been tried and several dozen death sentences handed down.

China blamed the rioting on overseas-based groups agitating for broader rights for Xinjiang's traditional majority Uighur ethnic group and cut Internet service in the region, saying the Web had been used to foment unrest.

Internet services were partially restored at the end of last year, while limited phone texting services began last month.

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