A video showing the demolition of certain structures is being shared with claims that Chinese authorities are intensifying their crackdown on religious symbols by demolishing mosques in China. However, our investigation found that these visuals are not recent; they have been available online since at least 2019-20.
Sharing the video on X (Formerly Twitter), @PsyGuy007 wrote, “In China, authorities continue a harsh crackdown on religious symbols. Many mosques are being demolished, and Islam is openly labeled a ‘mental illness ‘” (Translated from French).
🕌 🇨🇳 En Chine, les autorités poursuivent une répression sévère contre les symboles religieux. De nombreuses mosquées sont démolies, et l’islam est ouvertement qualifié de « maladie mentale ». pic.twitter.com/innqdhmhIU
— Wolf 🐺 (@PsyGuy007) March 15, 2025
Another account, @realMaalouf, also shared the video and wrote, “In China, authorities continue a harsh crackdown on religious symbols. Many mosques are being demolished, and Islam is openly labeled a ‘mental illness.
In China, authorities continue a harsh crackdown on religious symbols. Many mosques are being demolished, and Islam is openly labeled a "mental illness”.
— Dr. Maalouf (@realMaalouf) March 27, 2025
pic.twitter.com/Ez8muJ5TyN
The truth about the video from China, Fact Check
As soon as the posts containing the visuals and claims came to our notice. Subsequently, we conducted research and analysis of the video. We found that the video was not recent but contains old visuals from 2019 and 2020.
To verify the claims made by the users. We performed reverse image searches and found old posts containing the videos. The first part of the video was uploaded on YouTube in May 2019 and the second part of the video was uploaded on Facebook in October 2020.
However, reports (1, 2, 3) indicate that China has been actively demolishing mosques and removing Islamic symbols under its “sinicization” policy. In recent years, authorities have shut down places of worship in regions like Xinjiang, Ningxia, and Yunnan. But the specific footage being circulated is not recent.
Therefore, it is evident from verified sources that the video was not recent but contains old visuals from 2019 and 2020.
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— D-Intent Data (@dintentdata) March 27, 2025
ANALYSIS: Distorted
FACT: A video showing the demolition of certain structures is being shared with claims that Chinese authorities are intensifying their crackdown on religious symbols by demolishing mosques. However, our investigation found that these visuals (1/3) pic.twitter.com/Csm9EBOX89
Intent
Influencers are circulating old videos as recent to get the spotlight on social media.
Conclusion
Claim– The video depicts China demolishing Islamic structures in recent incidents.
Fact– This video is not recent but contains old scenes from 2019 and 2020.
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