AAP: Defecting diplomat emerges at rally

June 13, 2005

A FORMER Chinese diplomat now in hiding in Australia has thanked supporters at a Sydney rally, which has called on the Federal Government to grant the 37-year-old and his family asylum.

Chen Yonglin last month sought political asylum in Australia after abandoning his post at the Chinese consulate-general in Sydney on May 26.

This application was rejected and Mr Chen was advised to apply for a protection visa which is now being considered.

Today Mr Chen said he had received overwhelming support and assistance from Australians since walking out "of the prison of the Chinese consulate".

"I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincerest gratitude to all of you," he said in a statement read to today's rally by Sonya Bryskine, international editor of the independent Chinese newspaper Epoch Times.

"My conscience pushed me to leave the Chinese communist regime and free myself from the evil control of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

"Your support is valuable and it gives me more strength and courage."

Mr Chen said he had been struggling for freedom for years and his defection demonstrated the CCP was unable to control the conscience of the people of China.

"These innocent souls caged in the CCP machine should free themselves from the spiritual bondage and the party chains," he said.

"Now is the time to smash and break the chains holding your body and soul and embrace a life of freedom as I did, walking out of the shadows into a new life, no matter how difficult it is."

Mr Chen called on justice and human rights to prevail.

"Let us be brave and join together to shake off all the fear, terror and grief laid upon us by the ruling communist regime in China," he said.

"Democracy and human rights are what we Chinese need urgently.

"Let us free ourselves at last."

About 100 people attended today's rally at Hyde Park.

Source http://www.news.com.au/story/0,10117,15599445-29277,00.html