Letter from Congressman Zoe Lofgren to President Clinton Concerning Human Rights Violations in China

September 5, 2000

The Honorable William Jefferson Clinton

The White House

Washington, D.C. 20500

Dear Mr. President:

I am writing today about an issue of importance to me, many of my congressional colleagues, and my constituents. The treatment of the peaceful Falun Gong practitioners in China has not improved. In light of the strong desire of the Beijing government to participate more fully in the global economy, President Zemin should do more to improve the basic human rights of Chinese citizens. The continued persecution of the peaceful Falun Gong practitioners is the prime example of this need for improvement.

Reports of the treatment of the Falun Gong have pervaded the international news media. Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have documented thousands of cases of abuse. According to reports, at least 50,000 practitioners have been arrested and detained, thousands have been sentenced to labor camps without trial or incarcerated in psychiatric facilities, and over 500 have received prison sentences after seemingly unfair, staged trials. By most accounts, nearly 40 practitioners have died while in government custody.

I have received hundreds of letters and phone calls from constituents who are appalled that practitioners have been persecuted simply for peacefully exercising their beliefs, a right that is specifically protected by the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights.

Mr. President, you have consistently condemned repression as you have led our nation. I hope that, in your discussion with President Zemin this week, the issue of human rights will remain a high priority. I urge you to discuss specifically the plight of the Falun Gong practitioners. You have a unique opportunity to make this issue of paramount importance to the Sino-American relationship.

Warmest Regards,

Zoe Lofgren

Member of Congress