Rapid Dispatch: World Human Rights Lawyers Hold Press Conference in Paris Regarding Filing Lawsuit against Li Lanqing, the Chief of the 610 Office

Paris, December 10, 2002 -- Around 3 PM Paris time, two world renowned human rights lawyers, Mr. Beauthier from Belgium and Mr. Bourdon from France held a press conference in Mr. Bourdon's law office in Paris. They declared that they were entrusted by four Falun Gong practitioners from three different countries to file a lawsuit for the crime of torture against Li Lanqing, the Chief of China's 610 Office, an organization dedicated to the persecution of Falun Gong.

Mr. Beauthier briefly introduces the procedure of filing this lawsuit and its significance.

Ms. Elena introduces her situation.	The two lawyers answer reporters' questions.

The two lawyers answer reporters' questions.

At first, Mr. Beauthier briefly introduced the procedure of filing this lawsuit and its significance. He emphasized that although Li Lanqing has left France, according to the UN Convention Against Torture that France signed and information they have obtained so far, they are full of confidence that the court will place this case on file for investigation and prosecution and will affirm Li Lanqing's crime. He said that China has been warned. Those who perform or give orders to perform torture will be tried, no matter where they come from and where they are found. This is a matter of principle and it could be a case for future reference.

Mr. Bourdon said that this was the first time in Europe that a Chinese leader was sued for the crime of torture. If the case can be established, it will be a case that can be effective at any moment.

Media reporters interview Falun Gong practitioners.	A reporter interviews lawyer, Mr. Beauthier.
Mr. Zhao Ming tells about the persecution he suffered while in China.

A Falun Gong practitioner said that in the face of the more than three years of persecution, practitioners have been maintaining peacefulness and rationality all along and they have also given the persecutors opportunities to learn about Falun Gong. Unfortunately, the persecutors have gone way too far. We are considering applying many peaceful measures, including legal action, to stop the persecution.

Two Falun Gong practitioners then talked about the brutal persecution they had suffered in China because they practiced Falun Gong and they appealed for Falun Gong. They called on the international media to utilize their unique influential power to expose the Jiang regime's deceit and atrocities and help the innocent Falun Gong practitioners who are being persecuted in China.

Falun Gong practitioner especially emphasized that Falun Gong is not involved in politics, nor is it against the Chinese government. However, the unjustifiable and ruthless persecution of Falun Gong has to end, and all who have committed crimes during the persecution must be punished according to the law.

Afterwards, the two lawyers answered reporters' questions. AFP, "Cultural France" broadcasting station, France International Broadcast Station, New Tang's TV station, Digipresse, and Epoch Times came to conduct interviews.