|
Resolution Investigating Repressive Practices of the Chinese Government, City of Berkeley, California
WHEREAS, in accordance with Berkeley Municipal
Code section 3.68.070.A, It is the function of the Peace and Justice Commission
to advise the Berkeley City Council and the Berkeley Unified School Board on all
matters Relating to the City of Berkeley's role in issues of peace and social
justice; and
WHEREAS, the Berkeley City Council has referred to the Peace and Justice
Commission the issue of allegations of government oppression and violence
against members of the Falun Gong in Berkeley's sister city, the Haidian
District of Beijing, China; and
WHEREAS, Falun Gong is considered by its practitioners to be a form of
exercise that draws energy into the body in order to maintain health and a
peaceful approach to life; and
WHEREAS, a Falun Gong practitioner and resident of Berkeley has presented
testimony to the Peace and Justice Commission regarding the alleged violations
of human rights and persecution of Falun Gong practitioners in Berkeley's sister
city, the Haidian District of Beijing, China; and
WHEREAS, "Amnesty International is calling on the Chinese government
to stop the mass arbitrary detentions, unfair trials and other human rights
violations resulting from the crackdown on the Falun Gong," (Amnesty
International 23 March 2000, ASA 17/11/00).
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Peace and Justice Commission
recommends that the Council of the City of Berkeley send the attached letter (Attachment
B) to the mayor of our sister city, and to other
officials, to investigate and advise us on the situation; and appeal to the
Chinese government to resolve differences without resorting to violence.
á
ATTACHMENT B
Letter from Berkeley City Council to Head of Haidian District, Beijing, China
Mr. Li Jinshan
Dear Mr. Jinshan,
The City of Berkeley has established a sister city program for the purpose of
promoting cultural and educational foreign exchange, to build international
understanding and promote world peace. As part of this program we have
established a sister city relationship with the Haidian District of Beijing.
We are concerned about reports by Falun Gong supporters that people being
detained at the Haidian Detention Center are being subjected to beatings, the
use of electrical shock batons, sexual molestation of female detainees, and
other forms of torture, including an "icing" technique which involves
being forced to stand outside in freezing temperatures while water is
Poured upon them.
The reports by Falun Gong supporters allege that at least two women who had
been detained at the Haidian Detention Center have died as a result of
mistreatment. It is alleged that one unidentified women in her sixties died as a
result of frost bite after being subjected to the "icing" procedure,
and that another women, named Zhao Xin, died on or about December 11, 2000,
after months of suffering, as a result of injuries received from beatings that
allegedly occurred at the Haidian Detention Center.
Falun Gong supporters have also alleged that on March 5, 2002 President Jiang
Zemin ordered police to shoot Falun Gong practitioners who were caught
distributing flyers, or putting up banners or posters. We ask that you
investigate these allegations and advise us as to what has happened and why.
We further wish to appeal to you to resolve any differences that exist
between the Chinese Government and the Falun Gong without resorting to violence.
CC:
Mr. Liu Qi, Mayor of Beijing
Premier of the People's Republic of China
Director of the Jilin Provincial Department of Public Security
Governor of the Jilin Provincial People's Government
Consulate of the People's Republic of China |