(Clearwisdom.net) Pan Xinchun, the Deputy Consul General of China in Toronto slandered Mr. Joel Chipkar, a local businessman and Falun Gong spokesperson, calling him a member of a "sinister cult" in a letter to the editor published in a major local newspaper. On February 3, 2004, Judge Harvey Spiegel of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice ruled against Pan Xinchun and awarded Mr. Joel Chipkar Canadian $11,000 for legal costs and compensation. Since Pan Xinchun is a Chinese diplomat, this verdict has great significance for those who slander Falun Gong with the excuse that they are only carrying out their duties.
Pan's personal attack was outside the range of his diplomatic duties
The lawsuit was caused last year. In 2003, the SARS epidemic spread to Toronto after Jiang's faction had covered up the facts about the disease. More than ten Toronto residents died from having contracted SARS. Mr. Chipkar sent a letter to a newspaper in which he discussed the Chinese government's cover-up. The same newspaper later published an article from Pan Xinchun, to deny the Chinese government's concealment of information on SARS, and called Mr. Chipkar a member of a "sinister cult," directly pointing to Falun Gong,
The judge commented during court proceedings that Pan Xinchun's response regarding SARS can be viewed as doing his job, but his personal attack on Mr. Chipkar as a Falun Gong practitioner was outside his range of duty, and he is therefore not protected by diplomatic immunity. His behavior not only violated Canadian laws but also international agreements.
It's a shame to violate the law by "doing one's job"
There is no doubt that a high-ranking Chinese diplomat like Pan Xinchun clearly understands the range of his duties. Otherwise he would not have given up the opportunity to defend himself in court. It is also certain that the Chinese Consulate in Toronto understands the parameters of its duties as well, or else it would have protested the verdict through diplomatic channels. In fact, Chinese diplomats have repeatedly taken similar illegal action during the more than four years of the persecution of Falun Gong. Overseas Chinese consulates have been Jiang's "headquarters," where plans to "eradicate" Falun Gong abroad were cooked up, and Chinese diplomats were the executors of Jiang's anti-Falun Gong policies.
The truth is, because Jiang's group used the government machinery to persecute Falun Gong, illegal actions such as libel became a Chinese diplomats' responsibility. Chinese diplomats like Pan Xinchun regard slandering Falun Gong at all possible opportunities as being devoted to their duties.
But such behavior is illegal! An overseas Chinese official became a criminal because he followed Chinese "government policies." Whom should we blame? Who is the victim?
Prime culprit and hatchet men will receive due retribution
No matter what social status Pan Xinchun has, the law has punished him because of his personal illegal behavior. As for Jiang's group, Pan Xinchun not only failed to gain any credit, but he was also caught violating the law and therefore he has brought shame on Jiang's group. The lawsuit against him is another incident that can be used to clarify the truth about Falun Gong. It is evident that Pan Xinchun has only harmed himself by hurting others.
This is also proof that good is rewarded, and evil meets with retribution. Jiang, the prime culprit responsible for the persecution of Falun Gong, will not escape justice. How can those who execute Jiang's orders while following Jiang to slander and persecute Falun Gong against their conscience expect Jiang to take all the blame?
In view of the fate of Pan Xinchun, we would like to sincerely warn Chinese officials abroad: you must not help Jiang's group to persecute Falun Gong with the excuse of "following orders."
Follow your conscience and take responsibility for yourself!