Swiss Members of Parliament sent Speeches to the Falun Gong Anti-Persecution Press Conference in Geneva

On March the 15th, Mr. Ueli Leuenberger, member of the Swiss Federal Parliament, and Ms. Maria Roth-Bernasconi, councillor of the Geneva State, sent speeches to the anti-persecution press conference held by Falun Gong practitioners at the Places Des Nations. Two Falun Gong practitioners publicly read out the speeches at the press conference.

In Mr. Ueli Leuenberger’s letter, he indicated his support for Falun Gong practitioners’ efforts to promote the value of human rights in China. He said, “Any person who discriminates, persecutes, physically tortures, mentally harasses or even tries to eradicate other people associated with any philosophic or religious group should be opposed and criticised by all people. I feel sorry to recognise the fact that the appeals for human rights, freedom of speech and association still frequently give way to the considerations of economic interest.”

Mr. Ueli Leuenberger also condemned the French authorities for the unjustifiable arrest of Falun Gong practitioners during the Chinese New Year parade in Paris. He commented, “The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is applicable worldwide. Not only is it normal to request that this Declaration is honoured on a worldwide scale, it actually should be treated as mandatory. China is a large country. A China that honours human rights will further emphasize its importance, and will make the country even more magnificent in the world’s public opinion.”

In her letter, Ms. Maria Roth-Bernasconi denounced the use of torture against Falun Gong practitioners. She said, “Torture is not acceptable. All inhuman behaviour that infringes on personal dignity should be strictly prohibited. Torture is one of the most despicable forms of human rights violation.” She also added, “Let us break the silence and condemn torture no matter where or against whom it is conducted. No religion, organisation or any form of abuse of the freedom of speech can bestow a person with the right to torture others. If some have done so, others can punish them in other ways.”

At the end of her letter, Ms. Maria Roth-Bernasconi indicated her support for Falun Gong practitioners: “I support Falun Gong practitioners’ efforts to resist the inhuman persecution imposed on them.”