New Zealand: VIPs Concerned About the Illegal Detention of Falun Gong Practitioner Sanpu He in China

Recently, several VIPs in New Zealand wrote letters to Falun Gong practitioner Ms. Yanchen He (in New Zealand) expressing their concerns regarding the illegal detention of Yanchen He's Father, Falun Gong practitioner Sanpu He, in China. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rt Hon Winston Peters, informed him that the New Zealand Ambassador in Beijing has contacted the Chinese government, asking about the current status of Mr. Sanpu He. Maori Party Co-leader Tariana Turia wrote in a letter on August 7th, 2006 that: "I wish you ongoing courage as you seek the pursuit of justice. My thoughts are with you." Below is the text of a letter from Honorable Tariana Turia, Co-leader, Maori Party.

Member of Parliament

7 Aug 2006

Yanchen He

(address omitted)

Thank you for your letter of 25 July 2006, regarding the request to rescue Mr. Sanpu He from Wan Qing Villa, Zheng Zhou City, Henan Province.

I was so disturbed by the account of your experience, particularly the suffering that your mother and father have been through, as well as the agonizing situation you have been in for over six years of separation from your family.

I am familiar with the general situation, as described in the report of 6 July 2006, 'Report into allegations of organ harvesting of Falun Gong practitioners in China' and have recommended that this information should be immediately directed to the attention of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rt Hon Winston Peters. I have written previously to the Minister about the treatment of Falun Gong practitioners and I would recommend, that it is his Ministry that should be directly approached for expert assistance in the case of your parents.

I would also recommend that you contact Rosslyn Noonan, the Chief Commissioner, Human Rights Commission, PO Box 12411, Thorndon, Wellington.

The pain that you and your husband are enduring, as you seek to be reunited with your family, is clearly evident. I wish you ongoing courage as you seek the pursuit of justice. My thoughts are with you.

Heol ano

Tariana Turia
Co-leader, Maori Party