Australian Associated Press: Australian Falun Gong practitioner accuses [Jiang Zemin's regime] of abuse

26 August 2003

12:54 pm GMT

BRISBANE, Aug 26, AAP - An Australian Falun Gong practitioner is mounting a case in the United Nations Commission on Human Rights against former Chinese president Jiang Zemin.

Traditional Chinese artist Zhang Cui Ying, 41, says she was arrested and jailed in China, and was tortured and abused because of her beliefs.

International lawyer Geoffrey Robertson, QC, and high-profile Queensland solicitor Chris Nyst will mount the case against the former Chinese president for his role in human rights violations.

As well as going to the UN, they also plan a parallel action in the International Court of Justice, citing a breach of international convention of which China is a signatory.

Mr Nyst said Mr Robertson's involvement should strengthen Ms Zhang's case and will ensure it is likely to become a benchmark fight against the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners.

"The Zhang case is a very poignant example of what has happened to many people in China," Mr Nyst said in a statement.

"Securing someone of the stature of Geoffrey Robertson, one of the world's eminent persons in the field of human and civil rights, to champion our case is a great coup."

Mr Robertson is chief justice of the UN War Crimes Commission.

Falun Gong is a spiritual health movement whose followers [advocate] "truth, compassion and forbearance" and practice meditation and tai chi-like exercises.

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Civil actions against Jiang for his alleged persecution of Falun Gong [practitioners] are also under way in the United States, Canada, France, Belgium and Switzerland.