Eight Slovak MEPs Propose a Resolution Calling for an End to the Persecution of Falun Gong in China

(Minghui.org) In January 2013, eight Slovak Members of the European Parliament proposed a resolution regarding the persecution of Falun Gong in China.

The resolution was discussed in the Committee on Foreign Affairs, which decided to send a letter to Catherine Ashton, the EU Foreign policy chief, asking about the status of the EU-China dialogue regarding the human rights violations against Falun Gong practitioners. After receiving a response, they will meet again and discuss the issue.

The proposed resolution:

A) Expresses solidarity with persecuted practitioners of Falun Gong in the People's Republic of China and with the members of their families, which have suffered persecution in the past years.

B) Asks the government of the Slovak Republic and the president of the Slovak Republic to use appropriate opportunities during talks with government delegates of the PRC to demand an end to the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners and their release from prisons.

The reasoning study for the resolution is four pages long and explains that Falun Gong is a spiritual and moral discipline involving meditation and exercises that is based on the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance. From its introduction to the public in 1992 until 1999, it gained more than 70 million followers. Practitioners of Falun Gong in the PRC have, since 1999, been unjustly persecuted for their beliefs, and this persecution is in conflict with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and accepted legal standards. It cites more institutions and legislative bodies around the world, e.g. the U.S. Senate, European Parliament, which in resolution A6-0257 from 2006 states in point 66 that the EP “strongly condemns the detention and torture of Falun Gong practitioners in prisons, 'Re-education through Labor' camps” and ... “urges the Chinese Government to end the detention and torture of Falun Gong practitioners and to release them immediately.” It also states that the UNO commission on torture stated in its annual report on December 12, 2008, that the PRC should immediately carry out or ensure an independent examination of the claims that some Falun Gong practitioners were tortured and used for organ transplants, and implement necessary measures for those accountable to be prosecuted and punished.

The reasoning study continues with a description of the history of the persecution of Falun Gong, details from David Kilgour’s report, quotes from resolutions from other countries, and the standpoint of the ministry of foreign affairs, and mentions that the new leaders of China are not willing to take responsibility for the persecution of Falun Gong.

The reasoning study ends with a statement that good relations, including economic relations between China and Slovakia, can be realized only on the basis of mutual respect and openness, and this resolution initiative seeks to contribute to them.