Article from Finnish Newspaper “Kaleva” about Chinese Criminal Luo Gan’s Visit to Finland

We must speak out about Human rights violations.

The secretiveness surrounding the high-ranking Chinese leader, Luo Gan, is surprising. The places he visits are neither aware that he is coming or who he is. The statement from an official at the Ministry of Justice in the newspaper “Ilta Sanomat” on the 9th of September is also surprising. According to him, human rights issues are not on the agenda of the meeting between the Minister and Luo Gan, alleged cases of violence are not a suitable topic to discuss due to a tight schedule.

Alleged cases of violence have, however, been proven and brought to court in several countries. For instance, the Belgium human rights lawyer Georges-Henri Beauthier, representing Falun Gong practitioners, has filed a lawsuit against the former Chinese president Jiang Zemin and against his two assistants Luo Gan and Li Langing on the 20th of August 2003. Georges-Henri Beauthier is known for the case he brought against Augusto Pinochet, the former Chilean dictator.

Is our judicial system doubtful of evidence that in other countries has lead to a lawsuit? Shouldn't we also familiarise ourselves with this material? If we dismiss the case, doesn’t this mean an acceptance of human rights violations? How could renowned international human rights lawyers start filing a lawsuit without clear evidence?

Also, a person from the Ministry of Justice has stated that Finland doesn't usually criticise decisions made by governments of other countries. A country that has signed the Universal Human Rights declaration takes its time to destroy its own citizens, and even though this has all been reported by human rights organisations, Finland still says nothing. By accepting decisions made by the governments of these countries, we are supporting their tyranny against their own people. This kind of tyranny is an act that cannot be accepted in today's world, and those responsible must be brought to court.

Luo Gan has been invited, according to the Ministry of Justice, to discuss how developing states are ruled by law. How can a person, who himself has been accused of human rights crimes directed by the 610-office, discuss about developing and implementing law, legality and basic rights? In China, more than 770 Falun Gong practitioners have been reportedly killed as a result of torture and other violent methods. The complete number of deaths is unknown at present. Sources from China say it is in the thousands.

Those who are under pressure to persecute Falun Gong in China have made some statements regarding Falun Gong. For example, some high ranking officials say: “Falun Gong practitioners are good people, we don’t want to pressurise or persecute you. Many of us are unwilling to take part in the persecution.”

Another statement that was made by a Chinese official is: “In fact, we wouldn't arrest any Falun Gong practitioner if we could avoid it. If higher officials didn’t force us, we wouldn't do this.”

A good chance was given to Finland to raise the issue of human rights with China. Now we still have a second chance, will we be quiet again?