Radio Free Asia: The German Police Department in Brandenburg City Acknowledge that Certain Behaviour Was Illegal and Promise to Communicate Better with Falun Gong Practitioners in Future

Following is a report from Radio Free Asia correspondent Tian Yi.

Before the Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao visited Germany, the police department in Germany acknowledged that during Jiang Zemin’s visit to Germany the year before last, certain police behaviour meted out to Falun Gong practitioners was illegal. They also promised from now on they will improve communications with Falun Gong practitioners when they engage in appeals and demonstrations during visits by Chinese officials.

On the 2nd of May, before Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao visited Germany, the Berlin State Federation Operative Bureau and German Falun Gong practitioners had come to an agreement validating that during Jiang Zemin’s visit to Germany in April, 2002, the German Federation Operative Bureau behaved illegally. On Thursday, another city police department in Brandenburg attended the law court and made the same acknowledgement and promises. Therefore, journalists covered the case of Falun Gong practitioner Ms Guo Liting and her lawyer. Ms Liting and her lawyer explained their appeal to the journalists.

As for the misunderstanding caused by the policemen of what was written on the banners, this was due to the fact that they did not understand Chinese. Both sides agreed to strengthen communication and understanding of each others’ position. Also, during the intercession, the judge in particular emphasised that any order from the police interior should not place itself above the constitution which protects individual’s rights. The German constitution pledges the rights given to Falun Gong practitioners. These Falun Gong practitioners can now freely express their own attitude to China; their freedom of speech is protected by the German constitution.