Oct. 17, 2001

Dear Mr. [Name Withheld],

Thank you for your letter regarding the Chinese government's persecution of supporters and practitioners of Falun Gong. Your views are important to my understanding of how my constituents feel about this important issue. I agree with you, and I appreciate your taking the time to contact me.

As you know, Falun Gong is an ancient practice for the mind, body and spirit deeply rooted in Chinese culture. It has widely documented that the Chinese government has in fact tortured and imprisoned tens of thousands of practitioners of this peaceful self-improvement movement. It is with great pleasure that I report to you that I am a co-sponsor of H.Con.Res 188, a resolution expressing the sense of Congress that the government of the People's Republic of China should cease its persecution of Falun Gong practitioners.

The United States cannot remain silent on this issue. This legislation calls upon the United States to use every appropriate public and private forum to urge the Chinese government to release from detention all Falun Gong practitioners; to put an end to the practice of torture and other cruel, inhumane and degrading treatment against them and other prisoners of conscience; and to abide by the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by allowing Falun Gong practitioners to pursue their personal beliefs. When one nation suffers persecution, we are all threatened.

Thanks again for your letter about Falun Gong, and please do not hesitate to contact me if you have further questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Diane E. Watson Member of Congress

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