Jun 06, 2005

SYDNEY - Defecting Chinese diplomat Chen Yonglin said that the Chinese media in Australia conduct self-censorship because they are afraid of retaliation by the Chinese government.

Chen told The Epoch Times on June 6 that when he worked for the Chinese Consulate in Sydney, part of his work involved restricting media freedom. He said that Chinese-language media in Australia would not publish articles on Falun Gong because they feared retaliation by the Chinese government, since all the media had economic interests in China.

Australian Greens and Mr. Chin Jin of the Federation for a Democratic China, Australia held a joint press conference on June 6 to appeal for support for Chen.

Greens Senator Bob Brown's assistant said Chen talked with a lawyer for five hours on June 6. Chen might follow the lawyer's suggestion and accept fewer interviews.

Chen's defection captured the attention of Australia's political arena and media. Chen has sought political asylum from the Australian government for fear of persecution. The Chinese Embassy in Australia responded that Chen would not be punished if he were to return to China.

A staff member surnamed Li at the Chinese Embassy in Australia said she had no comment.

Chen said that his job was to spread slanderous propaganda about Falun Gong. His supervisor at the Chinese Consulate forced him to do it against his conscience. He said Falun Gong practitioners should receive help, not persecution.

Chen requested that the Chinese government re-examine its policy on religions.

http://www.theepochtimes.com/news/5-6-6/29348.html