Statement from the Torture Abolition and Survivors Support Coalition (TASSC)

July 17, 2001

Dear Friends,

It is with a heavy heart that we read about the torture and persecution of Falun Gong practitioners in China by agents of the PRC government. This comes after well-documented reports about the imprisonment of some Christian leaders, the rash of recent executions and the continued existence of forced labor camps in the country. There can be no justification for the use of torture anywhere. As an organization of survivors of torture TASSC joins the voices of Falun Gong practitioners, their families and friends to protest the Chinese government's violations of human rights and the disregard of international standards of justice. We call on the government of the PRC to respect the UN Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. We call on U.S. leaders and the public to join us: Abolish torture, torture no more!

Orlando Tizon, Ph.D.

TASSC Coordinator