Congresswoman Waters Condemns Human Rights Violations in China

Today on Capital Hill, Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-35) reiterated her call for a boycott of the Olympic Games in China, because of China's continuing human rights violations.

 "China has a long history of human rights violations and never should have been allowed to host the Olympics," said Congresswoman Waters.  "We cannot fight injustice in the United States and ignore injustice in other parts of the world, especially China."

 The Congresswoman made her statement at a press conference on Capitol Hill entitled "Global Human Rights Torch Relay."  The event was scheduled to coincide with the arrival of the Olympic Torch in San Francisco, during its journey to the Olympic Games in China.  The event was organized by Falun Gong practitioners and other human rights activists concerned about the victims of human rights violations in China.

 "I congratulate all of you for shining a bright light on China's deplorable record," the Congresswoman told the organizers. 

 Last week, on April 1, Congresswoman Waters sent a letter to President Bush, urging him to renounce his decision to attend the Olympic Games.  The letter said, "In light of the violent reaction of the Chinese government to recent protests in Tibet, as well as China's continuing violation of international human rights and its support for the genocidal government of Sudan, we strongly urge you to reconsider your decision to attend the Olympic Games in China this summer."   Fifteen Members of Congress signed the Congresswoman's letter.

 Previously, in August of 2007, Congresswoman Waters introduced H.Res. 628, a resolution to express the sense of Congress that the President should take action to boycott the Olympic Games in China, unless the Chinese government acknowledges and condemns the genocide taking place in the Darfur region of Sudan.  The Bush Administration never responded to this initiative. 

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