Statements From Canadian MPs Robinson and Charbonneau

Statement From MP Svend Robinson

May 31, 2001

While unable to be with you today, I join with those here as well as Canadians across Canada in calling on the government of Canada to demand the immediate release of Ms. Ying Zhu. Immediate and firm diplomatic efforts are needed to help Ms. Zhu and Shenli Lin. The systematic repression of the fundamental human rights of the practitioners of Falun Gong cannot go without condemnation. Our government, after failing to co-sponsor a China resolution at this year's United Nations Commission on Human Rights, must show that it is willing to put the promotion of the basic human rights ahead of the pursuit of profits in its diplomatic relations with China. Svend Robinson, MP for Burnaby-Douglas International Human Rights Spokesperson New Democratic Party of Canada

Statement from MP Yvon Charbonneau

May 31, 2001

Anjou, May 31st 2001 - "I was particularly distressed by the news of Ms. Zhu Ying's arrest. I first met Ms. Zhu over a year ago: with three other Falun Gong practitioners, she came to inform me of the group's activities and on the persecution the movement has been subjected to in China.

"Subsequently, Ms. Zhu kept contact with my office, informing us of developments at the international level. Following her request, I supported the movement for the liberation of a Canadian citizen, Professor Zhang, who is now back in Canada.

"As months went by, since this first meeting, we remained in contact with Ying, and, consequently, the news of her arrest came as an even more important shock. I take at heart to support the campaign that aims at obtaining that she is free and can return to Canada as quickly as possible, and I have already approached the Minister of External Affairs and the Prime Minister to that end."

Yvon Charbonneau MP for Anjou -Riviere-des-Prairies