But wait, there's more!

Tibetan Buddhists and Falun Gong are not the only religious minorities in China facing persecution.

China also has an Islamic population facing persecution.

In a manner similar to the way the American government promotes Islam as the religion of terrorists, the Chinese government claims its Muslim minority is a hot bed of sedition requiring a heavy hand to maintain national stability.

Neither government presents a credible argument.

The "not all Muslims are terrorists, but all terrorists are Muslims" argument is demonstrably false.

Please see the IRA, the KKK, Weather Underground, The Red Brigades, ETA, the FLQ, the Squamish Five, and the Mohawk Warriors Society.

Sorry about that last one, the Canadian government just told me it was a mistake.

Moving right along, Canadian Huseyincan Celil, an Imam, has been sentenced, by the Chinese government, to life in prison because of a supposed association with the East Turkestan Islamic Movement.

The Chinese government does not recognize his Canadian citizenship, and thus will not allow Canadian diplomatic contact.

Amnesty International suggests the following actions:
Please send, fax or e-mail a letter to Wen Jiabao Guojia Zongli, Prime Minister of the People's Republic of China raising the following points:

* grant Mr. Celil, as a Canadian citizen, access to Canadian consular officials in China

* calling for a retrial of Mr. Celil in full compliance with international standards including allowing Mr. Celil to appoint his own lawyer

* guarantee that he will not be tortured or ill-treated in prison

WRITE TO:

Prime Minister of the People's Republic of China:
WEN Jiabao Guojia Zongli
The State Council
9 Xihuangcheng Genbeijie
Beijingshi 100032
People's Republic of China

Start your letter “Your Excellency” and send your appeal by mail or email (gazette@mail.gov.cn).

If you prefer to try faxing, send your message c/o the Ministry of Communication to 011 86 10 6529 2345 but be prepared for transmission failure.

Try again the next day at a different time of day.

As well, forward a copy to;
His Excellency LU Shumin
Ambassador for the People's Republic of China
515 St. Patrick Street
Ottawa , Ontario K1N 5H3
Fax: (613) 789-1911

Related Links
Amnesty International [Canada]
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