November 17, 2004

The Garda Commission has been asked to investigate allegations against the Chinese [Vice] Premier that he has been implicated in torture by Falun Gong practitioners.

Lawyers for five members of the group living in Ireland asked the Garda Commissioner at the weekend to investigate and arrest Mr. Huang Ju, who is on a three-day official visit to Ireland, and discussions were still taking place between the lawyers and the commissioner last night.

Diplomatic immunity does not apply to allegations of torture. It is understood that late last night lawyers representing the Chinese group were also considering other avenues of pursuing their objective of having Mr. Ju [Huang] Arrested.

During his visit, Mr. Ju will meet Government leaders as well as leaders in Irish academia and business. Mr. Ju yesterday met the President, Mrs. McAleese, before meeting the Taoiseach, Mr. Ahern, and other Cabinet ministers at Dublin Castle last night. Issues for discussion between Government representatives and Mr. Ju include: Eu-China relations, including human right issues; international political affairs; trade and investment; education, tourism and culture.

Labour party spokesman for foreign Affairs, Mr Michael D. Higgins heavily criticized the visit of Mr. Ju because of the lack of a press conference during the three-day visit Mr. Higgins said: "No superpower is entitled to operate in such a matter as effectively censors the press from asking reasonable questions, and in this instance there are many reasonable questions."

The National Union of Journalists has also heavily criticized the lack of opportunity to ask legitimate questions on China's human rights track record. The union has condemned as a censorship the manner in which the Chinese Vice-Premier has been able to operate whilst in Ireland.

A spokesman said: "There is an important distinction to be made between propaganda and news, and it would be particularly alarming if the Irish Government or any representative of the Irish State agreed to facilitate what is a form of censorship."

Falun Gong is a spiritual movement which is persecuted in China.