French MP: "Safeguarding Human Rights Should Precede Economic Interest"

In January 2004, influenced by slanderous propaganda and under pressure from the Jiang regime, which has been carrying out a relentless persecution of Falun Gong, Paris police mistreated Falun Gong practitioners during the Hu Jintao's visit to France. After the incident, French Falun Gong practitioners have actively clarified the facts to people at all levels in France, demanding that the relevant persons should take legal responsibility and make an apology. This appeal by Falun Gong practitioners has attracted attention and support from more and more people.

Recently, French MP Frank Marlin wrote back to practitioners, saying that human rights should be given higher priority than economic benefits. His complete reply is as follows:

Franck Marlin.
MP of Essonne,
Major of Etampes.

Sir,

In your letter of February 3rd, you reminded me of the persecution that Falun Gong practitioners are enduring in China and the incident occurring during the Chinese President Hu Jintao’s visit to France.
You know my stance on this issue, and I completely agree with your feelings in regard to the issues you raised.

Falun Gong is not regarded as a cult in France and I think because of that, the government should have authorised this peaceful parade and given a higher priority to human rights than economic benefits.

I will definitely pass my thoughts on this to Nicolas Sarkozy, Minister of Domestic Security and Local Freedom.

Thank you for the enclosed materials and your good wishes and please convey my best wishes to your family.

Sir, please accept my best wishes.

(Signed)
Franck Marlin