DEATH SENTENCES ON CHINESE CHRISTIANS

Early day motion 975, tabled 11 March 2002 by Andy King (Labour). Signed by 126 members.

That this House expresses its strong concern over the sentencing to death in China of five Christian leaders from the South China Church; notes that two of the death sentences have been suspended for two years, but that other members of the Church have been sentenced to life or lengthy imprisonment; is concerned that a number of women from the Church were subjected to torture and assault, including sexual assault, in an attempt to force them to testify against one of the leaders; is further concerned that two Chinese Christians have been imprisoned for three years and fined heavily for transporting Bibles; notes that over 50 Catholic clerics are being detained or kept under surveillance; further notes that the Chinese authorities continue to clamp down on other religious movements, including the Falun Gong; and urges that Her Majesty's Government makes high level representations on behalf of all those imprisoned for their faith in China and ensures that religious freedom is given high priority in human rights dialogue with China.

Signatures by party: Labour 54, Conservative 27, Liberal Democrat 24, Labour/Co-operative 8, UUP 5, DUP 4, Plaid Cymru 2, Scottish National Party 1, Social Democratic and Labour Party 1.