B4-1013 and 1026/95

Resolution on the detention of Mr Harry Wu

The European Parliament,

A.whereas Harry Hongda Wu, a long-time political prisoner in China and now an American citizen, testified to Parliament's Human Rights Subcommittee in the context of the report underlying Parliament's resolution of 9 February 1994 on respect for human rights and the economic exploitation of prisoners and children worldwide,

B.whereas Mr Wu travelled to China on a valid US passport with a valid Chinese visa and was detained by the Chinese authorities upon entering the country from Kazakhstan, as notified to the US Embassy in Beijing on 23 June 1995,

C.whereas Mr Wu was officially charged by the Chinese authorities on 8 July 1995 with espionage, buying secret information and stealing secret documents, and risks a life prison sentence,

D.whereas Mr Wu is a well-known human rights activist and critic of the Chinese penal system, better known under the name of Laogai, and was made an honorary citizen of the town of Bègles in France on 17 March 1995,

E.whereas the European Union in its relations with third countries lays great weight upon the principle of respect for human rights,

1.Condemns the arrest of Harry Wu and calls for his immediate and unconditional release;

2.Calls on the Commission and the Council to use their influence to ensure Mr Wu's safety and well-being and to secure his release;

3.Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, Commission and the governments of the United States and the People's Republic of China.