(Clearwisdom.net) The following are letters sent by Canadian MP Svend J Robinson to Falun Gong practitioners and the Minister of Foreign Affairs concerning the recent trial and possible imprisonment of sixteen peaceful protestors in Hong Kong.
August 12, 2002
Falun Dafa Association of Canada
Dear Friends,
Thank you for your recent correspondence regarding the trial of the Falun Gong practitioners in Hong Kong. I share your concern that these people may have been victims of persecution based upon their religious beliefs. I have therefore written to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bill Graham, to voice my concern. Also, I have asked him to provide a response to the points you have raised.
Please be assured I will provide a copy of the Minister's response as soon as he replies.
Sincerely yours,
Svend J Robinson, MP
Burnaby-Douglas
August 12, 2002
Honourable Bill Graham, PC, MP
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Dear Bill,
I was recently contacted by a number of Falun Gong practitioners and other concerned citizens of Canada regarding the recent trial and possible imprisonment of sixteen peaceful protestors in Hong Kong.
On March 14, 2002, four Swiss and twelve Hong Kong citizens were forcefully arrested while staging a peaceful appeal outside the Chinese Liaison Office in Hong Kong to raise awareness of China's escalating persecution of Falun Gong. As the number of demonstrators was less than fifty, no permit was necessary for this gathering. As video evidence clearly attests, the demonstration was small, unobtrusive, and completely non-violent. And yet the police used violence in disrupting the event and taking the participants away.
The trial of these sixteen protestors was concluded last week, having been heard by a judge reported to be biased against Falun Gong practitioners. The verdict, and possible sentences, remain to be decided.
I would urge you to investigate this matter immediately, and to communicate to the Government of Hong Kong the deep concerns of the Canadian people for the protection of the democratic freedoms of the defendants, and all people in Hong Kong.
I look forward to your earliest possible reply to this important matter.
Sincerely yours,
Svend J Robinson, MP