Honorable Jean Cretien

Prime Minister

Room 309S, Centre Block

House of Commons

Ottawa, ON K1A 0A6

Dear Prime Minister Cretien:

This concerns the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners in China. I understand that the Chinese President has now issued a secret order to "Kill Without Pardon" all Falun Gong practitioners. I have also been advised that since March 5th, it is reported in the city of Changchun that 5,000 practitioners have been kidnapped and 100 of them have been tortured to death. Attached is a Background on Developing Situation in Changchun that I have received which fully details the extent of the actions of the Chinese government against innocent civilians.

Mr. Prime Minister, this is a most serious violation of human rights. The persecution of Falun Gong practitioners continues to escalate, although these individuals have no political agenda and simply want the freedom to practice their beliefs. It would appear the Chinese government views them as a threat to their Communist ideology and will use any means to stop them.

I would strongly urge you, Mr. Prime Minister, to intervene with the Chinese government on behalf of these innocent civilians whose lives are endangered simply for practicing their religious beliefs. Please let me know what steps the Canadian government is taking on their behalf.

Yours sincerely,

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Dr. Keith Martin, M.P.

Esquimalt -- Juan de Fuca