(Clearwisdom.net) On December 11, 2006, U.S. Congressman W. Todd Akin from Missouri wrote a letter to Chinese Communist Party Leader Hu Jintao, calling for an immediate release of Falun Gong practitioners from prison. Congressman Akin said in the letter, "The illegal arrest and abuse of these people is completely unjustified and will not go unnoticed by the global community. I am also concerned about claims that your government is involved in involuntary organ harvesting of prisoners including members of the Falun Gong." Below is the text of the letter.
Congress of the United States
House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515
December 11, 2006
Dear President Hu,
Over the last few decades, your country has made huge strides toward becoming a full participant on the world stage in many respects--economic, political, militarily. However, the lack of respect for basic human rights continues to be the single largest roadblock between your nation and full participation in the international community. Respect for human life is something that I personally hold in the highest regard, as I believe all human beings are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights. The wanton abuse of innocent individuals by your government or any other entity is unacceptable and I urge you to do all you can to halt these crimes against humanity.
As you know, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights both recognizes that all people have the right to life, liberty, and security of person, and also state that no one should be subjected to arbitrary arrest or detention, torture, or cruel and inhuman punishment. According to numerous reports, you are in clear violation of a number of provisions in both documents and in particular the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, of which your nation is a signatory.
Of particular concern to me is the recent oppression and persecution of Falun Gong practitioners. This group of Chinese citizens is in no way violent or treasonous and does not possess a political agenda. They have the right to express themselves religiously and spiritually and to exercise their freedom of thought. The illegal arrest and abuse of these people is completely unjustified and will not go unnoticed by the global community. I am also concerned about claims that your government is involved in involuntary organ harvesting of prisoners including members of the Falun Gong.
Let me remind you that one of the conditions of your nation hosting the 2008 Olympics was that your government would significantly improve human rights standards in China. With the intense international spotlight that accompanies hosting the Olympics, I advise you to act on this agreement and take positive steps toward respecting the rights of all your people. One such encouraging action would be to release practitioners of Falun Gong from prison and allow them true freedom of conscience. I ask you to do so immediately. The citizens of China are an amazing asset and I urge you and your government to give them the respect and freedom that they are due.
I look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
W. Todd Akin
Member of Congress
Download the original letter (67KB)
