July 19, 2002

Dear Ms. ____ (name omitted to avoid Chinese embassy's harassment):

Thank you for inviting me to the rally. I regret that my schedule does not permit me to attend. I share your deepest concerns over China's human rights abuses.

Like you, I am particularly troubled by reports of crackdowns by the Chinese police on members of Falun Gong movement. According to the State Department's 2001 human rights review, hundreds of Falun Gong leaders have been imprisoned, and thousands of Falun Gong practitioners remained in detention or were sentenced to reeducation-through-labor camps or incarcerated in mental institutions. Many have died as a result of torture and mistreatment in custody.

This is entirely unacceptable, and must be stopped. In March of this year, the Senate unanimously passed a resolution urging the American UN representative to call for an end of human rights violations by China. But more must be done.

The persecution of individuals on the basis of their spiritual beliefs can no longer be tolerated. I am pleased you have come to the Capital to raise awareness of this issue. I am also pleased to join you in urging more action on behalf of Falun Gong practitioners.

Sincerely,

Jean Carnahan