(Minghui.org) Kevin Kiley, U.S. Congressman representing the third district in California, wrote to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on July 13, 2023, urging the State Department to take action to rescue two unlawfully detained Falun Gong practitioners, Ms. Meng Zhaohong and Ms. Yuan Xiuhua.
Ms. Meng of Qinglong County, Hebei Province, and the mother of a California resident, was arrested at a local fair on May 9, 2023, after being reported for talking to people about the persecution of Falun Gong. Her friend, Ms. Yuan, was arrested with her. Both women are currently held in the Qinhuangdao City Public Security Hospital, as their health kept declining due to police beating following their arrests. Ms. Meng, in particular, struggles with a severe lung disease.
Despite Ms. Meng’s condition, the communist authorities refused to release her and also denied her family’s request to visit her.
Congressman Kiley wrote, “My constituent has expressed her fears for Mrs. Meng’s welfare while in the custody of People’s Republic of China (PRC) authorities.” He urged Secretary Blinken to direct Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns to raise the case with his Chinese counterparts.
Congressman Kiley added that prior to Ms. Meng’s latest arrest, she has served two labor camp terms and another prison term, for a total of over eight years. While in custody, she was shocked by electric batons, beaten by the guards and force fed. The torture resulted in a broken ring finger on her left hand and permanent disability in her left arm.
He emphasized that it’s well documented that Falun Gong practitioners are subjected to widespread arbitrary detention and other human rights abuses in China, and that it’s important for the international community to raise awareness and take a stand against such human rights violations.
“In light of my constituent’s concerns, again, I strongly urge you [Secretary Blinken] to contact the PRC authorities and the judicial system in Qinhuangdao City to insist that they release Mrs. Meng and her friend immediately.” Congressman Kiley said at the end of the letter.
Letter from Congressman Kevin Kiley
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