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9 Busted in China Syringe Attacks

Spate of random stabbings unsettle western Urumqi

By Jason Farago,  Newser Staff

Posted Sep 11, 2009 4:46 AM CDT

(Newser) – Chinese authorities have arrested nine suspects in connection with the recent spate of syringe attacks in Urumqi, reports state media. Some 531 people had been stabbed with hypodermic needles in Urumqi, most but not all of whom were Han Chinese, according to police. The attacks had set off another round of protests in the restive Xinjiang region, where earlier this year Han and Uighur communities clashed in the worst ethnic unrest in decades.

The bizarre attacks have caused panic, but so far no one has been poisoned or seriously injured by the syringes. "The attacks are terror attacks," said an official, who said they're orchestrated to frighten residents and create further unrest. Police believe as many as 45 attackers have been involved.

Chinese paramilitary police patrol through the center of the city in Urumqi, Xinjiang province, last week.
Chinese paramilitary police patrol through the center of the city in Urumqi, Xinjiang province, last week.   (AP Photo/Andy Wong)
Thousands of troops patrolled the city of Urumqi last week after five people died in protests over a series of bizarre needle attacks that China's police chief has blamed on Muslim separatists.
Thousands of troops patrolled the city of Urumqi last week after five people died in protests over a series of bizarre needle attacks that China's police chief has blamed on Muslim separatists.   (AP Photo/Andy Wong)
Chinese paramilitary police disperse a crowd near People's Square in Urumqi, Xinjiang province, China, last week.
Chinese paramilitary police disperse a crowd near People's Square in Urumqi, Xinjiang province, China, last week.   (AP Photo/Andy Wong)
Police fired tear gas last week to break up continuing protests by thousands of Han Chinese, underscoring how unsettled Urumqi remains despite a massive security crackdown.
Police fired tear gas last week to break up continuing protests by thousands of Han Chinese, underscoring how unsettled Urumqi remains despite a massive security crackdown.   (AP Photo/Andy Wong)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 3 comments
grassisntgreener
Sep 15, 2009 6:01 AM CDT
what if anything has been found from these 45 attacks?any tests done?i agree wtf.
riffran
Sep 11, 2009 9:51 AM CDT
thats jacked up...WTF?...syringe attack?
WallyEFunk
Sep 11, 2009 3:15 AM CDT
Syringes ? Well I guess a number of steps better then bombs or shootings. Terrorism none the less.

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