During the November session of the 'Subcommittee on Human Rights' of the European Parliament a live phone interview was set up with Hu Jia, a prominent environmental and democracy activist in China
Hélène Flautre: (Chairwoman of the EP subcommittee on Human Rights): What is your personal situation in China and how is the situation over there more than half a year before the Olympic Games?
Hu Jia: The reason activists are under house arrest in China is because they speak out for human rights. Millions of innocent people are under persecution in China. They are beaten, kept in detention centers, prisons, and even in mental hospitals.
The public security department creates a human rights disaster every day!
As far as the Olympic Games are concerned, the issue began on 13 July 2001 when China was granted the right to host the Olympics. We all hoped that the Olympic Games would bring democracy; while the CCP tries to use the games as a justification, like in 1936! Right now is the peak of the persecutions going on in China.
A good example is the fact that the highest responsible official for the organization of the Olympics in China is also the head of the public security bureau in Beijing! This is very ironic and shows that its like the mafia is in charge of the Olympics. Actually, in Beijing so many people are being persecuted and arrested.
Edward McMillan-Scott (EP Vice-President): I understand that you have been in touch with Gao Zhisheng, who disappeared on September 22nd. Could you tell us if you did have contact with him and what his health status is.
Hu Jia: Gao Zhisheng was arrested by the secret police on September 22. On October 28 Gao called me from Xian to tell me that I should not go to Gao's house because it's too dangerous.
I belief that the police were standing next to Gao while he was calling. The police are very afraid that I will visit Gao's family.
Gao's family is in danger and under big pressure. I am very worried about Gao's family.
Ana Mari Gomes (MEP): Some high ranking official has called upon the CCP to make things public and end the persecution. Is this known by the people in China?
How many people from the Tiananmen movement are still in prison at the moment?
Hu Jia: The CCP has made many promises, such as for the Olympic Games, but there is a big difference between the reality and these promises.
As for Tiananmen, some of the people involved have been released but they all are mentally damaged. It's difficult to estimate how many there are still in prison. Europe should hold strong on the weapons embargo. That is a strong signal.
Hélène Flautre: you can always rely on the support from the European Parliament and congratulations to you for your bravery.
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