Statement by Yuri Mantilla of Family Research Council at Washington DC Rally

July 23, 2002

China Has a Moral and Legal Obligation to Respect the Right to Freedom of Thought, Conscience and Religion.

There are fundamental human rights that all countries, including China, have to respect. One of those rights is the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion.

The Chinese government has the moral and legal obligation, both under international law and domestic Chinese law, to stop the brutal violations of fundamental human rights of Falun Gong practitioners, Christian believers, and other groups.

According to Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, "Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance."

According to Articles 35 of the Constitution of China, "Citizens of the People's Republic of China enjoy freedom of speech, of the press, of assembly, of association, of procession, and of demonstration." Article 36 of the Chinese Constitution states that "Citizens of the People's Republic of China enjoy freedom of religious belief..."

The systematic imprisonment, detentions, tortures, and assassinations of Falun Gong practitioners, Christian believers and others, that have a view contrary to the atheistic dogma of the Chinese communist party, must stop.

The Chinese people deserve a better future, the Chinese people deserve freedom and prosperity!

No to the violations of freedom of expression and religion!

Yes to the Chinese people!