Canadian MP, Scott Reid, on the Arrest and Imprisonment of Zhang KunLun

(Media Conference, Dec. 7, Parliament Hill, Ottawa, Canada)

The Canadian government was one of the first to condemn China for its human rights violations against Falun Gong practitioners. In that sense we were world leaders. Canadians sent a message that the arrest, torture, imprisonment and even murder of people for practising a form meditation are not acceptable.

However, the circumstances have changed and unfortunately so has the Canadian message.

The Falun Gong crackdown no longer simply involves the Chinese authorities committing crimes against their own citizens. They have detained, tortured, and jailed a Canadian citizen. KunLun Zhang, a Canadian, was arrested on July 27 for practising Falun Gong in a park. He was interrogated, tortured, and jailed.

As of Saturday, December 2, the department of Foreign Affairs stated that,

"We are interested (in Mr. Zhang ) given the fact that he is a Canadian citizen and he was arrested for what we believe is an infringement of his freedom of expression."

Roland Doiron, Spokesman, Department of Foreign Affairs. National Post,December 2, 2000.

The Canadian message has changed from condemnation to complacency even though it is one of our own citizens that has fallen victim to these horrific acts. This is not acceptable.

Our Prime Minister has planned a trade mission to China and in doing so, sent a message of his own. His message is that it is not a priority to protect Canadian citizens against human rights crimes or even to question if he should delay his trade mission until the Chinese authorities guarantee the safety and release of Mr. Zhang. His message is that it is okay to treat Canadians in this manner.

That is the wrong message.

This is not an appropriate time for Canada to take any action which might signal approval. To do so is to show disrespect for Canadians and for all people who believe it is wrong to persecute individuals for simply expressing themselves. The Prime Minister is also sending a personal message to Mr. Zhang; that his country is not there to help him when he needs it most.

I urge MPs of all parties to support Mr. Zhang, demand his safety and his quick release. I also appeal to the Prime Minister to serve notice that he will rethink his trade mission unless Mr. Zhang's safety can be guaranteed and a date for his release can be provided.

As MPs, it is our duty to see that Canadians are protected at home and abroad. Let's do our duty.

Scott Reid