US Congressman: China's Persecution of Falun Gong Practitioners Is Intolerable

(Clearwisdom.net) On April 20, 2004, US Congressman wrote to a Falun Gong practitioner to express his concern about the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners in China. He said in his letter: China's persecution of Falun Gong practitioners is intolerable. Below is the letter.

Congress of the United States
House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515

April 20, 2004

Dear Sarah,

Thank you for contacting me with your concerns about the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners by the Chinese government. I appreciate hearing from you.

I too believe that governmental persecution of any group for its political beliefs should not be tolerated. China's record on human rights, including the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners, is intolerable.

The U.S. Senate Department is closely monitoring this situation and has raised their concerns over China's treatment of the Falun Gong repeatedly with the Chinese authorities both in Washington and in Beijing. They have also voiced their concern about the numerous reports of deaths of Falun Gong practitioners in custody.

While the U.S. Government takes no position on the beliefs and practices of Falun Gong, the State Department has made clear on numerous occasions their strong opposition to the detention of individuals solely for peaceful association and assembly. They have documented their concerns in their annual country reports on human rights practices, which can be found on the State Department website at www.state.gov. The steps the Chinese government has taken to restrict freedom of thought, conscience and belief are disturbing. These rights are protected by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

The U.S. Government will continue to raise these issues with the Chinese government through diplomatic channels, in addition to making our position clear in public statements. In addition, Rep. Lynn Woolsey (D-CA) has introduced H.Con.Res. 304, calling on the Chinese government to end its persecution of Falun Gong practitioners. I have supported similar measures in the past and will keeps your views in mind should H.Con.Res. 304 come to the House floor for a vote.

It is important that I hear from you. Please feel free to contact me again with comments or concerns on matters that are important to you.

Jim Ryun

 Yearly Archive   Printer Version