(Clearwisdom.net) California State Assemblyman Jose Solorio recently wrote to President Obama and Secretary Clinton urging them to help release two Falun Gong practitioners who are imprisoned in China. Following is the text of the letter:

July 15, 2009

The Hon. Barack Obama

President of the United States

The White House

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW

Washington, DC 20500

Dear President Obama:

I am writing on behalf of Joanna (MaQiong) Wang and Ping Yu, residents of California. It is my understanding that both women have mothers who are now detained by Chinese authorities because of their beliefs in a peaceful meditation practice known as Falun Gong.

Joanna's mother, Jinhua Ma, 57, has been detained at Anhui Woman's Forced Labor Camp since September, 2008. Ping's mother, Chunyan Wang, 55, has been illegally sent to prison twice since 2001 -- most recently on August 14, 2007, where she is being held at Dabei Prison in Liaoning Province. Both mothers, who were law-abiding citizens, were arrested for engaging in the universal right to freedom of religion.

July 20, 2009 marks the tenth anniversary of the Chinese government's campaign against Falun Gong. At this sole moment in time, I respectfully urge that you focus on the ongoing human rights violations occurring in China against Falun Gong practitioners. I believe our government should and can do something about this situation. In fact, I understand that a number of Falun Gong practitioners have been released as a direct result of actions taken by United States senators and congressional members.

Our nation was founded upon the principle of safeguarding religious freedom. We have been a leader in protecting human rights and should continue this tradition by speaking out on behalf of Falun Gong practitioners. Therefore, I respectfully request that your staff look into Mrs. Ma and Mrs. Wangs' cases, and help with their early releases as you deem appropriate.

Sincerely yours,

JOSE SOLORIO

State Assemblyman

cc: Secretary of State Hillary Clinton