More MEPs, including a Vice-chairman of the European Parliament Foreign Affairs Committee, express concern over Article 23 legislation

Chris Heaton-Harris MEP replied to a letter from a Falun Gong practitioner voicing concerns about the Jiang’s regime’s attempts to export their terror tactics into the free society of Hong Kong by introducing the Article 23 legislation. He said in his letter, dated 12 December, that he understands the fears over the introduction of Article 23 concerning the suppression of the press and all dissident groups. Mr. Heaton-Harris wrote that he "shall write to Mr Tung Chee Hwa to express this concern". He added that "the European Parliament has passed resolutions on China not to persecute Falun Gong practitioners and to allow them to practise their religion without fear of oppression or persecution" [Note: Falun Dafa is not a religion – it has no hierarchy or membership and worships no deity]. In addition he indicated that the Conservative Party Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs has raised the issue with the Chinese Government through the Chinese Embassy.

Another MEP, who is a Vice-Chairperson of the European Parliament Foreign Affairs and Human Rights Committee, said in his letter, dated 26 November: "This is a very important issue and one that I have been following closely...I understand your concerns about the pressure, which the Chinese Government is exerting on the Hong Kong Executive over the introduction of the 'anti-subversion' law...If this particular change [toward more draconian laws] does occur as a result of pressure from the Chinese Government, I will make representation to the British Government. Certain moves have already been made regarding this subject."

The MEP concluded the letter by saying that the political party of which he is a member "will make every effort to protest" if the Hong Kong authority proceeds with the draconian legislation.

[Please note – certain names have been omitted from this article to prevent harassment from members of Jiang Zemin’s regime]