U.S. Congressman Thomas Tancredo Writes to Secretary of State Colin Powell to Express His Fear for the Safety of Practitioners of Changchun

April 10, 2002

The Honorable Colin Powell
Secretary, U. S. Department of State
Washington, D. C. 20520

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Dear Secretary Powell:

I am again writing to express my concern over recent reports about the escalating persecution campaign against Falun Gong in China, and more specifically, in Changchun City, where the Falun Gong movement began. I am told that orders from the Chinese government leaders are to 'kill without mercy" Falun Gong practitioners, and that police have been given permission to "shoot on sight" anyone posting or handing out Falun Gong materials.

On March 15, Amnesty International issued an Urgent Action request for Falun Gong practitioners in Changchun City: "Amnesty International believes they are at serious risk of torture or ill-treatment.....police 'stop and search' checkpoints have reportedly been established across the city...."

According to reports received by my office, over 5,000 Falun Gong practitioners in Changchun have reportedly been arrested in recent weeks, several have "jumped" or "fallen" from tall buildings when pursued by police, and many others have been secretly cremated after been tortured to death. Indications are that dozens have been murdered.

Mr. Secretary, I fear for the people of Changchun.

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Sincerely,

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Thomas G. Tancredo
Member of Congress