Hon David Kilgour JD and I participated in a public forum hosted by David Shoebridge MLC after screening of a documentary: “Transcending Fear: The Story of Gao Zhisheng.” The summary of the event is provided below.
A screening of a documentary “Transcending Fear: The Story of Gao Zhisheng “ at Macquarie Room, NSW Parliament House, about detained Chinese human rights lawyer, Gao Zhisheng last week, left audience members concerned at the extent of human rights abuse in China and expressing concern about inaction.
“It is in our interest to have a country where people can determine what actions their government can take, otherwise China is a bit dangerous,” said Dr Sev Ozdowski , Human Rights Commissioner 2000-2005.
Around 60 legislators, lawyers and academics attended the screening at the New South Wales Parliament June 18. They were horrified at the torture and abuse lawyer Gao recounted in the film.
“How can we stop this when everyone focuses on trade with China?” asked one audience member who was from the group Young Lawyers for Human Rights.
Tim Wilson, Australia’s present Human Rights Commissioner said that criticizing China about human rights would not affect trade and conceded that the Australian Government could do more to pressure Chinese authorities.
“They need to take it to a much higher standing,” he said.
He said he was “personally very moved” by the film and called on audience members to take copies of the film, show more people and become more active in lobbying politicians about their concerns.
“Politicians have to understand these issues matter to the public,” he said.
Described by the Hon. David Kilgour a former Canadian Secretary of State Asia Pacific, as a combination of Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi, Gao Zhisheng continued to highlight corruption and injustice in the legal system despite brutal abuse, threats to his life and his family’s.
A Christian, Mr Gao fought for landowners thrown from their properties to make way for the Beijing Olympics, for victims of violent family planning practices and for Falun Gong practitioners who are detained and tortured for their beliefs. The film documents the high price he has paid to fight for the rights of others.
A Chinese Australian asked why there was not more coverage about lawyer Gao in the press.
New South Wales MLC, David Shoebridge, who hosted the event, announced a motion calling on Chinese authorities to release lawyer Gao, to fairly and impartially apply the rule of law in China; to repel all laws, and end all administrative practices, that discriminate against or sanction people on the basis of their religious or spiritual beliefs; and to ensure that Australia presents it’s genuine and ongoing concerns about China’s human right record to the Chinese Government on the basis of principle, using internationally accepted human rights standards, and free and separate from consideration of our trade and investment links with China. The motion was passed and will be presented to the NSW Parliament by Mr David Shoebridge next week.
For official film website see: www.transcendingfearfilm.com
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