MEP questions Denmark Minister about bowing to Chinese pressure on Art Performance

A member of the European Parliament has written to Denmark's Culture Minister following the Jiang regime interference and pressure on the Asian Comments - the Asia-EU Summit's art programme in Copenhagen against participation by Falun Gong practitioners.

Falun Gong practitioners were originally invited to present their art performances, which have won the Community First Prize at the Cavalcade of the Edinburgh International Festival 2002. However, the Chinese Embassy threatened pulling out all Chinese community performances unless Falun Gong practitioners were excluded from Asian Comments. According to the event organiser, the Danish government officials bowed to the pressure.

Mr Roger Helmer MEP was very concerned with the exclusion of Falun Gong practitioners from the show under Jiang regime pressure and written to the Danish Culture Minister to raise the issue.

His letter is as follows:

Mr Brian Nikkelsen
Minister for Culture
Copenhagen
Denmark

September 16, 2002

Dear Mr Nikkelsen,

Falun Gong, EU-Asia Conference

I have recently met with a constituent of mine, [name omitted], and other representatives from the Falun Gong Movement.

[He] is highly concerned that his organisation is being refused representation at the cultural celebrations at this weekend's EU-Asia Conference being hosted by the Danish Presidency of the EU in Copenhagen. [He] maintains that the People's Republic of China have put pressure on the Danish Government to exclude Falun Gong from the festivities by threat of withdrawing their own participants. I am advised that the Chinese Government has an on-going campaign against the Falun Gong Movement, and there are numerous reports of mistreatment of Falun Gong Members in police custody in China.

I believe Falun Gong to be a peaceful organisation, which should be allowed to practice its philosophical system in a democratic society. I would be grateful if you could look into this matter for me and comment on the policy of the Danish Government on the issue of freedom of religion. In particular, has the Danish Government changed its position as a result of pressure from the Chinese Government?

Yours sincerely,
ROGER HELMER MEP