MEPs demand release of Falun Gong practitioner Ding Yuande
Context
The resolution, adopted on 18 January 2024 by a show of hands, addresses the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners in the People’s Republic of China and refers to other religious minorities including Uyghurs and Tibetans. It highlights domestic and transnational surveillance, control and suppression of religious freedom.
Key Topic
MEPs demand the immediate and unconditional release of Mr Ding Yuande and all Falun Gong practitioners in China and strongly condemn their persecution. The text calls on the PRC to end its domestic and transnational surveillance, control and suppression of religious freedom and asks the EU and member states to support and facilitate an international investigation into the persecution.
What to Watch
MEPs call on member states to suspend extradition treaties with the PRC and to use national sanctions regimes and the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime against perpetrators and entities that have contributed to the persecution.
Sources
Official Documents
- General documents - The ongoing persecution of Falun Gong in China, notably the case of Mr Ding Yuande (18 January 2024) - Delegation for relations with the People's Republic of China European Parliament adopts a resolution calling for an international investigation and EU sanctions against China over Falun Gong persecution, including suspending extradition treaties and using the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime.
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