From: al012@svtstu.seqeb.gov.au (Anthony Lee) 12/01/95

Subject: AHKCUS Press Release - AHKCUS Condemns the Arrest of Wei Jingsheng

News Release: AHKCUS Condemns the Arrest of Wei Jingsheng

The Alliance of Hong Kong Chinese in the United States (AHKCUS) condemns the Chinese Government's arrest of Wei Jingsheng.

The chairperson of AHKCUS, Dr. Andrew Au said, "Wei Jingsheng's arrest clearly illustrates China's disdain for individual rights and her complete disregard for the due process of law."

Dr. Au added, "Wei was first arrested on March 29, 1979 and subsequently sentenced to a 15-year jail term. On September 14, 1993, he was released six months prior to the end of his sentence. Was it any coincidence that his release coincided with Beijing's desperate bid for the 2000 Olympics? On April 1, 1994, Wei was again arrested for the allegation of violating his parole conditions. Not until the end of APEC, did the Chinese authorities finally take the sinister step of formally charging Wei for overthrowing the government. Wei's plight clearly shows that the Chinese Government considers the respect for human rights not as a sign of a modern and civil society, but rather an annoyance to her absolute authority."

"Mr. Wei has not been arrested for any trumped up charge of overthrowing the government but rather because of his courage and outspokenness. By formally charging Mr. Wei, the Chinese Government has shown contempt to the respect for human rights and to world opinion. Mr. Wei's detention since April, 1994 is a clear violation of China's own criminal code, which requires the release of a detainee if no charges are brought within three months. Furthermore, how can a former electrician single-handedly conspire to overthrow a government when he has been in constant surveillance since his parole in September, 1993? Unless, the Chinese security organ is hopelessly incompetent. Time and again, the Chinese Government has chosen to violate its own criminal code and exploit the country's legal system as a convenient tool of repression."

AHKCUS joins other human rights organization, such as Amnesty International USA, to call on the Chinese authorities to immediately release Mr. Wei and all prisoners of conscience. AHKCUS also calls on the Chinese judiciary to act in accordance to its own criminal code and to become a truly independent body.

Dr. Au concluded, "The US Government must call for the immediate release of Wei Jingsheng. The world must ensure that the Chinese Government can no longer justify wanton abuse of human rights by hiding behind the banal excuse of 'internal affairs'."