Dutch MP's Statement of Support for the Establishment of CIPFG-Europe

The following statement of support was read on February 3rd at a press conference outside the Chinese Embassy in London. The statement of support was submitted by Dutch Member of Parliament Harry van Bommel. The press conference was held to announce the establishment of the European branch of the Coalition to Investigate the Persecution of Falun Gong (CIPFG-Europe). To find out more about the event, please see http://en.clearharmony.net/articles/200702/37890.html

Amsterdam, February 2nd 2007

Statement of Support

Recently I have been informed about allegations that organs from Falun Gong prisoners of conscience are harvested for profit, killing them in the process. Canadian and Belgian reports give reason to take these allegations very seriously. For this reason I have asked our Foreign Secretary Mr. Ben Bot to request the Dutch human rights ambassador to investigate this matter on his trip to China which he did. Our human rights ambassador informed the Chinese government about my concerns but his request for an independent international investigation was turned down. According to the Chinese government it is illegal to trade organs in China and it does not occur. This does not take away my concerns.

Amnesty International has appealed to the Chinese government to stop the campaign of persecution of Falun Gong members and to release all those detained solely on account of their peaceful religious or spiritual beliefs and practises. I fully support this appeal.

CIPFG is a global alliance to uncover the truth of the persecution of Falun Gong and particularly the organ harvesting. I would like to support this Coalition and its investigative teams around the world to go to China. The CIPFG-teams should get unrestricted access to all detention facilities including labour camps and mental institutions. Such access should be made available immediately without delay. I urge all governments, including the Dutch and the European authorities, to support this appeal and to exercise more pressure on China to come to this result.

Yours sincerely,

Harry van Bommel
Member of Parliament in the Netherlands