Amnesty International Australia Issues Statement Opposing Forcible Return of Falun Gong Practitioners

3/18/03

Amnesty International opposes the forcible return of anyone to a country where they are likely to face persecution because of their religious, political or other beliefs, torture, extrajudicial execution, the death penalty or "disappearance." As such, Amnesty International is concerned about the possible return of two elderly Falun Gong practitioners to China.

Although the Chinese Constitution technically provides for freedom of religion, authorities restrict and monitor all religious movements through a system of religious registration, persecution and re-reducation-through-labour camps. The Falun Gong, a peaceful meditation group, is currently the focus of the Chinese government who is attempting to eradicate the "heretical organization." The Chinese government's "strike hard" campaign allows authorities to arbitrarily detain suspected Falun Gong practitioners, without charge or trial, for indeterminate periods of time. As well, the use of re-education-through-labour camps cause Amnesty International concern as force and psychological pressure are actively used in order to encourage practitioners to recant their beliefs and denounce the Falun Gong as a cult. Amnesty International has been made aware that approximately 550 deaths have occurred in custody since the Falun Gong was banned in July 1999; deaths have been attributed to ill treatment and torture. Furthermore, Amnesty International is concerned about the safety of Falun Gong practitioners in light of a recent warning issued by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade which outlines the risks associated with Falun Gong membership in China:

"Falungong activities are banned in China. Participants in Falungong activities or Falungong related demonstrations contravene Chinese laws and can expect to be dealt with according to those laws. Penalties include detention, deportation, arrest and imprisonment."

Amnesty International has raised a number of cases to the Minister of Immigration, Multiculturalism and Indigenous Affairs, the Honorable Philip Ruddock, detailing our concerns regarding the return of Falun Gong practitioners to China, in particular those who have been subject to detention in the past, or those who have claimed to have participated in pro-Falun Gong activities, especially if the Chinese government is aware of their involvement.

http://www.amnesty.org.au/refugees/report07.html