Kadeer-owned buildings in Urumqi to be demolished

Three buildings in Urumqi owned by exiled Uighur leader Rebiya Kadeer will be torn down as Beijing tries to assert its control over the capital of western China’s Xinjiang region, Reuters reported, citing state media. The buildings include the Akida Trade Center, a building of shops owned by Kadeer’s Akida Industry and Trade, which is due to be demolished due to cracks in the walls and sunken footing. More than 30 members of Kadeer’s family had been living on the upper floors according to the Uyghur American Association. Akida’s offices and the Tuanjie or Unity Theater will also be torn down. Beijing has repeatedly accused Kadeer, once a successful businesswoman, of triggering the July riots in the region.