Letter from the Senate's Chair of the Human Rights Committee and the Deputy-Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee to the Canadian Prime Minister

August 30, 2001

The Right Honorable Jean Chretien Prime Minister House of Commons
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0A6

Dear Prime Minister:

The recent hunger strikes initiated by Falun Gong practitioners in Canada show the desperation felt by them, having exhausted all other legitimate means.

Despite a worldwide attempt to influence the Chinese government to treat the Falun Gong practitioners justly, the Chinese government continues its relentless persecution of them with no known justification.

I am appealing to you to support the Falun Gong practitioners by using your upcoming trip to China to use your good offices to encourage the Chinese officials to stop their unwarranted actions against these people.

In particular, the case of Mr. Shenli Lin (which I am sure has been brought to your attention) warrants immediate action by Canada.

Please accept my appreciation for your attention to this matter as a high priority.

Sincerely,

A. Raynell Andreychuk

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