Victorian Delegation to investigate forced organ harvesting in China

Reports that Falun Gong practitioners in China are being killed to extract
their kidneys, livers, hearts, corneas and other organs have prompted the establishment
of a delegation which will travel to China to investigate the allegations by
interviewing both government officials and Falun Gong practitioners.

A press conference will be held at the Thomas More Centre, 582 Queensberry Street,
North Melbourne on Friday at 12.20 pm. The Mayor of the City of Maribyrnong,
Cr Janet Rice, will be present.

“The Australian team is one of four from the international communities
committed to see that the recommendations made in the Canadian Report1 of July
2006 are effectively implemented. We can help prevent, if not stop, forced organ
harvesting from Falun Gong prisoners of conscience in China.” said Mr John
Xiao, spokesperson CIPFG. “Three other teams are taking shape in Asia,
Europe and North America as we speak…”

Last July, two respected Canadian lawyers, David Kilgour (who served as a Government
Minister) and David Matas, a human rights lawyer, released a report which found
alarming evidence that Chinese citizens were being killed for no other reason
than that they were Falun Gong practitioners
.
“It is utterly unacceptable that these practices should take place in a
country which will shortly host the Olympic Games, and with which Australia
is currently negotiating a Free Trade Agreement. The only way to resolve this
matter is through an open and independent inquiry. In the absence of action
by the Chinese Government, we are willing to set the ball rolling,” said
Peter Westmore, president of the NCC.

“Amnesty International has appealed to the Chinese authorities to stop
the campaign of persecution of Falun Gong, including by releasing all those
detained solely on account of their peaceful religious or spiritual beliefs
and practices”2

For more information:
Peter Westmore, President National Civic Council, +61 3 9326 5757 John Xiao,
Spokesperson CIPFG, 0425 885 768 Cr. Janet Rice, Mayor of Maribyrnong, 9688
0212

Posting date: 27/Nov/2006
Original article date: 24/Nov/2006
Category: Media Report

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