HOUSE OF COMMONS

 

CHUCK CADMAN, M.P.

SURREY NORTH

 

October 31, 2003

 

The Hon. Bill Graham, P.C., M.P.

Minister of Foreign Affairs

Room 418-N Centre Block

House of Commons

Ottawa ON K1A OA6

 

Dear Minister,

 

I recently held an extremely emotional meeting with constituents Junzhen and Gaifeng Wang, the elderly parents of Dr. Wang Bingzhang. As you are likely aware, Dr. Wang, a pro-democracy activist, was sentenced to life in prison in China on what the international community has declared to be trumped-up charges without evidence.

 

As you are likely aware, this past July, the United Nations’ Arbitrary Detention Working Group declared Dr. Wang’s detention to be manifestly arbitrary and in violation of international law. The Working Group reportedly found no basis for China’s charges of either ‘espionage’ or ‘terrorism’ concerning Dr. Wang’s actions.

 

I wish to add my voice to those of our colleagues who have already raised Dr. Wang’s plight with you. On behalf of his family members living in Surrey, and elsewhere in Canada, I am requesting that the Canadian government intervene with Chinese authorities with the ultimate goal of securing Dr. Wang’s release.

 

Thank you for your time and attention.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

Chuck Cadman, MP