http://secretary.state.gov/www/briefings/9908/990825db.html

QUESTION: Do you have anything to say about China's plans to prosecute senior leaders of Falun Gong?

MR. FOLEY: Yes, we've seen the reports that the Chinese government plans to prosecute leading members of the Falun Gong movement. The United States strongly believes that individual spiritual beliefs should be respected in accordance with international covenants that China has signed. It's also our long-standing belief that no one should be persecuted for peaceful assembly, association or peaceful expression of their views. We therefore urge the Chinese government to live up to its obligations under international human rights instruments and protect freedom of thought, conscience and religion.

QUESTION: I want to refresh my memory. Have the Chinese officially asked that the leader be sent back to China from this country?

MR. FOLEY: I'd have to check that for you, but I'm certainly not aware of any such effort on their part. I have no information that -

QUESTION: In China they have called for his extradition from this country.

MR. FOLEY: But I am unaware of any request from the Chinese authorities for his extradition. There are practical obstacles. First of all, we do not have an extradition treaty with China. Secondly, I believe the gentleman is a legal resident of the United States. As I indicated, we don't believe that people should be persecuted or prosecuted simply for peaceful assembly or for exercising their religious beliefs or practices, as long as they're not harming anybody.