US Senator Concerned with the Persecution by Chinese Officials on Falun Gong Practitioners

On March the 10th 2004, US Senator Thomas Carper wrote to Falun Gong practitioners, expressing his concern over the human rights situation, especially the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners by Chinese officials.

Senator Carper said he was concerned with the human rights situation in China, especially in light of recent crackdowns by Chinese officials on Falun Gong practitioners or others who simply want to practise their spiritual beliefs. The PRC government outlawed the practice and began a systematic campaign of intimidation and repression against the movement's practitioners. This crackdown has led to the arrest and detention of many Falun Gong practitioners, causing concern among many in both China and the international community about the Chinese government's commitment to human rights and religious freedom.

Senator Carper pointed out that according to the latest State Department Report on Human Rights, China's human rights record had actually worsened over the previous year, with the government maintaining strict controls over religious organisations, political discourse, and publications. In the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, Chinese authorities have suppressed Falun Gong and other ethnic minorities under the guise of fighting international terrorism.