US Congressman Rush Holt Calls for Immediate Release of All Imprisoned Falun Gong Practitioners in China

On Wednesday, July 21, 2005, several thousand Falun Gong practitioners from across the world held a rally on Capitol Hill in Washington DC to call upon the world's people to help stop the CCP regime's violation of their basic human rights. New Jersey Congressman Rush Holt attended the rally and made a speech.

New Jersey Congressman Rush Holt

In his speech, Holt said that the American government should exert its influence and leadership to express strong disapproval to the CCP's persecution of Falun Gong practitioners.

The original text is as follows:

I am delighted to be here with all of you today to speak out for freedom of expression, freedom of religion and freedom of personal practice. I've gotten to know many of you and what you represent. I've also gotten to know, at long distance, some of the oppression, torture and imprisonment that you and your brothers and sisters have faced.

And it's long past time for the immediate release of all imprisoned Falun Gong practitioners in China. Falun Gong is a peaceful practice.. It should not be restricted and yet it is. And so like you I feel that the United States should exert our international influence, our leadership to express strong disapproval of China's actions against Falun Dafa practitioners.

Freedom of religion, freedom of personal practice is a basic human right. We're not asking for any special protections; we're not asking for any special consideration. It is what every human is due. I only wish that all Americans were able to see the terrible displays of torture, imprisonment and persecution and harassment that your brothers and sisters, the peaceful Falun Gong practitioners, are facing. I also wish that they could see you here today. This is an impressive display.

And I think you are helping greatly in the communication of human rights. I believe time is on your side, I just hope we can speed up the clock. The clock on our vote is ticking and with that we bring our best wishes to you, to all of those millions of people you represent, and thank you very much for what you're doing.