Human rights group to hold rally over China’s hosting of Olympic Games
Group says atrocities have increased since country told it will host
By John Grant
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“*In 1936, when the Nazi regime hosted the Olympics, we were quiet about it, but this is something we should not be quiet about.*”
- Maureen Zebian
The Human Rights Torch Relay will hold a rally April 16 at Milwaukee City Hall in protest of the human rights abuses committed by the Chinese government, which is set to hold the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.
Fourth District Senator Lena Taylor will be speaking at the event, as will several different organization speakers, including Peace Action. Representatives from different churches will also present.
HRTR cites the persecution of 100 million Falun Gong and their families, the imprisonment of hundreds of thousands of political dissidents, and China’s support of repressive regimes in Burma and Sudan as some of the reasons for starting their worldwide campaign.
Also of concern to human rights groups is China’s use of slave labor camps, their policies of sterilization and forced abortions, and the ongoing crackdown on Buddhist practitioners in Tibet.
The HRTR campaign, which began April 9, 2007, and ends in May 2008, will eventually span six continents, 40 countries and 150 cities, according to the HRTR Web site.
China had originally agreed to improve its human rights record upon being granted the right to host the Olympic Games and to abide by the Olympic charter. But organizations like HRTR and the Coalition to Investigate the Persecution of Falun Gong say that human rights abuses have actually gotten worse since China was picked to host the games.
Maureen Zebian, a Falun Gong practitioner and active promoter of human rights in China for many years, is helping to organize the event here in Milwaukee. Zebian thinks it’s unbelievable that a peaceful practice like Falun Gong, which combines meditation and exercise with an emphasis on improving moral behavior, is being repressed so ruthlessly.
“Innocent people are being killed everyday,” Zebian said. “My mind has a hard time dealing with it.”
Zebian said that through her own practice of Falun Gong, she has been able to find inner peace and has even overcome a disease. She said the Chinese government is scared of the movement because it got so big so quickly and offered something for people to believe in other than communism.
Although it’s an important cornerstone, Zebian stressed that the HRTR campaign is not all about the persecution of Falun Gong. She said the movement is supported by a wide coalition of human rights supporters.
Zebian also emphasized similarities to other suppressive governments involved in the Olympic Games in the past.
“In 1936, when the Nazi regime hosted the Olympics, we were quiet about it, but this is something we should not be quiet about,” Zebian said.
The most important aspect of the campaign to Zebian is that the word is finally getting out to thousands, if not millions, of people. The fact that most Americans are unaware they might be wearing clothes or using other items made from Chinese slave labor is an example of the kinds of ways the campaign has been trying to spread awareness, she said.
Zebian wonders if economic interests are taking precedence over human rights and advocates a balance between the two. She said that the millions of lives affected by the Chinese government’s policies all over the world depend on the involvement of the global community.
“If you feel the need in your heart to stand up to the Chinese Communist Party, knowing they have trampled on so many lives, please come out and support,” Zebian said.
The rally begins at 4 p.m. and will be followed by a procession down Wisconsin Avenue from 5 to 6 p.m. For those interested, the group’s Web site is www.humanrightstorch.org.
> Comments
Johanan Raatz on Apr 07, 2008 at 01:30 PM:
It's unforunate that much of our stuff is made in China. The people there suffer human rights abuses and aren't even allowed to properly compete in the free market because they are kept at a certain wage and the government prevents them from climbing the ladder out by maintaining it that way.
I know this is sometimes hard to not do but we should boycott their products as much as possible.
Chow on Apr 10, 2008 at 11:07 PM:
??????????????
John on Apr 10, 2008 at 11:15 PM:
Fuck this stupid so called"human rights group". they know what? They know nothing about China. Fuck them. All the supporters are stupid bitches.
Song Chen on Apr 10, 2008 at 11:19 PM:
what the hec do you know about the human rights in China, and what the hec do you know about Falun Gong? Don't just listen to the minority, and your so called "media", just go home and do some homework, or visit China some day, and you'll find out!!!
JX on Apr 10, 2008 at 11:20 PM:
have been to China? Have you seen peoples life there. How you guy say "human right abuses" just according to the only channel-medium.
John on Apr 10, 2008 at 11:20 PM:
As an american, I really feel shame on these people. They should pay more attention to ourself, our economics. We suck, and we still have time to care others?
proud chinese american on Apr 10, 2008 at 11:24 PM:
The fact that most Americans are unaware they might be wearing clothes or using other items made from Chinese slave labor is
faint where did she get that? has she actually been to china?
What do you want from Us? ------ A Poem Dedicated to the last 150 years of this planet.
By a Slient, Silent Chinese.
=== When We were called Sick man of Asia, We were called The Peril. When We are billed to be the next Superpower, We are called The threat.
When We were closed our doors, You smuggled Drugs to Open Markets. When We Embrace Freed Trade, You blame us for Taking away your jobs.
When We were falling apart, You marched in your troops and wanted your "fair share". When We were putting the broken peices together again, "Free Tibet" you screamed, "it was an invasion!"
( When Woodrow Wilson Couldn't give back Birth Place of Confucius back to Us, But He did bought a ticket for the Famine Relief Ball for us.)
So, We Tried Communism, You hated us for being Communists When We embrace Capitalism, You hate us for being Capitalist.
When We have a Billion People, you said we were destroying the planet. When We are tried limited our numbers, you said It was human rights abuse.
When We were Poor, You think we are dogs. When We Loan you cash, You blame us for your debts.
When We build our industries, You called us Polluters. When we sell you goods, You blame us for global warming.
When We buy oil, You called that exploitation and Genocide. When You fight for oil, You called that Liberation.
When We were lost in Chaos and rampage, You wanted Rules of Law for us. When We uphold law and order against Violence, You called that Violating Human Rights.
When We were silent, You said you want us to have Free Speech. When We were silent no more, You say we were Brainwashed-Xenophoics.
Why do you hate us so much? We asked. "No," You Answered, "We don't hate You."
We don't Hate You either, But Do you understand us?
"Of course We do," You said, "We have AFP, CNN and BBCs..."
What do you really want from us? Think Hard first, then Answer...
Because you only get so many chances, Enough is Enough, Enough Hypocrisy for this one world.
We want One World, One Dream, And Peace On Earth.
zhen on Apr 10, 2008 at 11:25 PM:
Do you still remember the 2001 Cincinnati riots? what did US do? You guys also need to take care of human rights in Iraq.
Chow----Forever China on Apr 10, 2008 at 11:26 PM:
You idiot know nothing about china! So shut up your silly mouths!Tibet was, is, and always a part of china, no one can take it away!! You're enraging 13 hundreds million people over the world!
One China,One dream! Never let the media distortion blinds your eyes!
China Wan Sui!!!!!!!
angela on Apr 10, 2008 at 11:30 PM:
we love china!!!!!!!!
angela on Apr 10, 2008 at 11:30 PM:
we love china!!!!!!!!
Henry Robinson on Apr 10, 2008 at 11:34 PM:
To John Grant?
Do you know what is Falun Gong? Do you know how it threaten people's lives? Do you know how many families were broken because of this damn Falun Gong? It is a HEATHENDOM!!!Please make all the things clear before writing this piece of shit!
Shaw on Apr 10, 2008 at 11:37 PM:
"we love china, we love Tibet, we want justice, we want peace, stop media distortion, no riots, no violence!"
angel on Apr 10, 2008 at 11:37 PM:
zhongguo wan sui!!!
Bob on Apr 10, 2008 at 11:38 PM:
If more people did their homework they would see that China is heading in the right direction. Stop letting Tibetans spin the facts and hoodwink the uninformed. China abolished the terrible slave system practiced in Tibet. I'll bet most people didn't know that because the media never mentions it. From now on, I won't call its English name, listen, it is XiZang!!!
Shaw on Apr 10, 2008 at 11:42 PM:
I recommend you to watch a video made by Melvyn C. Goldstein who is well known for his detailed research in Tibet. He tells the truth of Tibet, Here is the link: /www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWGGjpJJCKE
Shaw on Apr 10, 2008 at 11:46 PM:
Another one is an English Writer Jane Campbell who tells you how miserable of Tibet women's life before 1950. http://www.amazon.com/Traveller-Space-Identity-Tibetan-Buddhism/dp/0826457193
Shaw on Apr 10, 2008 at 11:51 PM:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uSQnK5FcKas http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EVdx3Qh5Ct8
Watch these two videos and you will see how the western media distorted Chinese and Chinese government.
Shaw on Apr 10, 2008 at 11:55 PM:
THE MOST IMPORTANT IS: ONE OF DALAI LAMA'S ADVISORS IS Heinrich Harrer!!!! THIS GUY IS A NAZI! WHAT A SHAME!
Watch these pictures and you will see who is Nazi! http://www.newspiritualbible.com/index2
Lee on Apr 10, 2008 at 11:56 PM:
China is on the right way. Have you ever been to the lovely China? Have you ever done some research on China? How dare you say such bushit? Long live China!!!
Shaw on Apr 10, 2008 at 11:58 PM:
DON'T FORGET SHOKO ASAHARA IS ALSO A GOOD FRIEND OF DALAI LAMA!
SO YOU KNOW WHO IS SHOKO ASHARA?
http://www.newspiritualbible.com/index2
Shoko Asahara. Good friend of Dalai Lama and praised by the Dalai Lama after giving over a million dollars to Dalai Lama. Also an admirer of Adolph Hitler. Convicted of mass murder by placing poison Sarin gas in the Tokyo subway.
Shaw on Apr 11, 2008 at 12:11 AM:
So don't believe Dalai Lama is a peace-lover! HE IS NOT! HE IS A LIAR! DON'T EVEN MENTION Maureen Zebian!
The reason is, if Chinese government is killing people every day and prevent the whole world knows about it, how he knows this, especially when he is in US, thousands of miles away from mainland of China, is he a spy? or have some other kinds of super power which would let him have this confidential news?
OBVIOUSLY, HE DOES NOT HAVE ANY EVIDENCE TO SHOW CHINESE GOVERNMENT IS KILLING PEOPLE. WHAT A LIAR!
As a matter of fact, my mom is a math teacher in a middle school of China, and my dad is brain doctor of a small town hospital, their lives are the same as the other normal Chinese people. They love each other, they are playing Pingpong together almost every day, they are working hard just as most Americans do. They are still alive, pretty happy! havn't seen any sign that government would kill them by someone's ridiculous accuse above.
Shaw on Apr 11, 2008 at 12:11 AM:
So don't believe Dalai Lama is a peace-lover! HE IS NOT! HE IS A LIAR! DON'T EVEN MENTION Maureen Zebian!
The reason is, if Chinese government is killing people every day and prevent the whole world knows about it, how he knows this, especially when he is in US, thousands of miles away from mainland of China, is he a spy? or have some other kinds of super power which would let him have this confidential news?
OBVIOUSLY, HE DOES NOT HAVE ANY EVIDENCE TO SHOW CHINESE GOVERNMENT IS KILLING PEOPLE. WHAT A LIAR!
As a matter of fact, my mom is a math teacher in a middle school of China, and my dad is brain doctor of a small town hospital, their lives are the same as the other normal Chinese people. They love each other, they are playing Pingpong together almost every day, they are working hard just as most Americans do. They are still alive, pretty happy! havn't seen any sign that government would kill them by someone's ridiculous accuse above.
Chow----Forever China on Apr 11, 2008 at 12:13 AM:
Shaw, you are the man for China!! We'll be forever behind you!
Chow----Forever China on Apr 11, 2008 at 12:17 AM:
To "proud chinese american"
We are really proud of you!
Shaw on Apr 11, 2008 at 12:17 AM:
TIBET WAS, IS AND ALWAYS WILL BE A PART OF CHINA!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x9QNKB34cJo&feature=related
Shaw on Apr 11, 2008 at 12:31 AM:
I AM PROUD OF BEING A CHINESE!
Heinrich Heine says, if one does not belong to his country, then he does not belong to human being.?????????“?????????????????”?
Shaw on Apr 11, 2008 at 01:00 AM:
?????????????????? above shows the Chinese Characters cannot be showed here. Sorry!
Again, my altitude is if you boycott the 2008 Olympic games, if you want to relate a great sports gathering with politics, if you don't important the products made in China, that's fine! Just do whatever you want, because that's your personal choice, and you have right to choose whatever you like.
However, don't forget that all these things have NEVER EVER stopped China becoming more and more stronger!
We, Chinese, will enjoy the peaceful and more prosperous life as we did in the past, also don't want to invade other smaller countries, don't mention Iraq here.
Study history, not the media! Try to learn more about China, try to go there and take a look at, and don't forget to see how Tibet is. You may have known that Tibet people don't need to pay tax, and more important the government pay the education fee for Tibet Children, which is exclusive for Tibet.
sarah on Apr 11, 2008 at 04:02 AM:
TIBET WAS, IS AND ALWAYS WILL BE A PART OF CHINA!
. on Apr 11, 2008 at 08:21 AM:
stupid people! They no nothing about china... TIBET WAS, IS AND ALWAYS WILL BE A PART OF CHINA! TIBET WAS, IS AND ALWAYS WILL BE A PART OF CHINA!
TIBET WAS, IS AND ALWAYS WILL BE A PART OF CHINA!
TIBET WAS, IS AND ALWAYS WILL BE A PART OF CHINA!
TIBET WAS, IS AND ALWAYS WILL BE A PART OF CHINA!
Song on Apr 11, 2008 at 03:02 PM:
John, u r my hero!
Tao on Apr 11, 2008 at 03:25 PM:
Those who criticize China's human rights, shut up!! I recommend you a website http://www.anti-cnn.com
You will find who is the shammer.
Tibet was, is and will always be a part of China!
Lucy on Apr 11, 2008 at 06:08 PM:
Since Americans believe that everyone has the freedom of belief, can this belief be communism? If yes, there is no need to imagine Chinese communist as a monster.The human rights group said,the Chinese government forces slave to work.What's the proof? Can you imagine in today's information age,a goverment can force slaves to work without being known by other countries? Falun Gong said they were persecuted by Chinese government. Is the word persecute a right one? The truth is Falun Gong encourages people to commit suicide to reach to a higher level,and they assaulted the offices of Chinese government. That's why Falun Gong is forbidden in China. However,most Falun Gong members quit from this evil organization and they are living safely and normally in China.If you don't believe it,how can you believe what Falun Gong said? Some of you said,Tibet was invaded by China.It's absolutely wrong.Tibet has been a part of China for centuries.Before the foundation of People's Republic of China,Tibet is a society of Slaves.95 per cent of people were slaves of Masters,who were composed of monks and noblemen.In the early 1950's, the Chinese government negotiated with the leader of Tibet,who agreed on some agreements.Tibet was peacefully liberated by the newly founded Chinese goverment.Nobody died.No war.However,some monks and noblemen want to recover the society of slaves. So they tried to establish a society like that before 1950's.They failed in 1959 and fled to India.Dalai Lama is the leader of those people.That's the truth.If you don't believe,how can you believe what Dalai Lama said?
Hongzhi Li on Apr 11, 2008 at 11:10 PM:
Wow! Great! I see lots of supporters in Milwaukee! As your master, I think we should select some high-level practioners to give a wonderful show we did before on that day. We only need to get some oil. And we can used the torch instead of the lighters! Wonderful!
Dailai Lama on Apr 11, 2008 at 11:15 PM:
Salute to the great master of Falun Gong! I am considering to let all my people to practice it because we don't have enough money for medication. I will also try my best to help you to win the Noble Prize. Maybe medicine and physiology?
Nobel on Apr 11, 2008 at 11:19 PM:
Fuck you two idiots! I demand cancelation of the Nobel Price for Peace! Otherwise there will not be peace for me! Do NOT use my name to hide your dirty crime!!!
Kodak on Apr 11, 2008 at 11:53 PM:
Well, do you know who the injured person in the picture is? He is an ordinary civilian of Lasha. He was attacked by the cruel Dalai Lamanian for no reason. At least you should use the PSed picture. Do not know how to do it? Learn from CNN!