Event notice: Protest on Aug. 7 '08

Media advisory: Press Notice and Press Release for a "Freedom First - No Olympics Medal for China" Rally on August 7, 2008, in Front of Chinese Embassy in Washington DC, Sponsored by Multiple Organizations and Joined by Hundreds Tibetans and Freedom Loving People

PRESS NOTICE
No Olympics Medal for China:　Protesting China's Abysmal Human Rights Record


DATE: August 7, 2008
TIME: 2PM to 5PM
PLACE: Chinese Embassy (2300 Connecticut Ave. NW., Washington, DC, USA)


Contact: Ms. Doma Norbu 646-812-5228 or Ms. Ciping Huang 202-543-1538


Speakers include but not limited to Ms. Rebiya Kadeer and Mr. Wei Jingsheng, both of whom met with President Bush in the White House on July 29 regarding their efforts in promoting democracy and human rights in China; as well as leaders of Asia Democracy Alliance, and representatives from the international human rights organizations including Reporters Without Borders and Amnesty International.

There will be hundreds of Tibetans traveling from New York to attend this demonstration, led by Doma Norbu, President of Chushi Gangdruk.

Sponsoring Organizations:
Asia Democracy Alliance
Chushi Gangdruk
Formosan Association for Public Affairs (FAPA)
Overseas Chinese Democracy Coalition
World Uyghur Congress
Inner Mongolian People's Party
Reporters Without Borders
China Support Network
Independent Federation of Chinese Students and Scholars
Freedom First, Olympics Second Coalition

Press Release "FREEDOM FIRST" - " NO OLYMPICS MEDAL FOR CHINA"


August 7, 2008


The Olympics is intended to be a　celebration of the human spirit, but the spirit of the Tibetan, Uyghur, Inner　Mongolian and Chinese people are being crushed under the weight of an　oppressive regime. As the opening ceremony of the Olympics are underway, harsh　measures are currently being implemented in Tibet, Xinjiang, Inner Mongolia　and China to intimidate the people and prevent any further signs of dissent.


Thousands of people are still missing or in detention, and a climate of fear　prevails. While Tibet, Xinjiang and Inner Mongolia are in theory open to　foreign visitors and journalists, in practice, only a government-approved few　are permitted.


When Beijing won the rights to host the　2008 Olympics in 2001, the Chinese government made a promise to the　International Olympic Committee and the international community to concretely　improve human rights. But those promises have for the most part been empty.


Amnesty International in its 8th July 2008 report states "In fact, the　crackdown on human rights defenders, journalists and lawyers has intensified　because Beijing is hosting the Olympics. The authorities have stepped up　repression of dissident voices in their efforts to present an image of　"stability" and "harmony" to the outside world. This has resulted in the　detention and imprisonment of those who wish to draw attention to the other　side of the picture, which includes human rights violations perpetrated in　preparation for the Games.


We are counting on President Bush and other world　leaders to make clear while in Beijing that token gestures from the Chinese　government are not enough to silence international concern for these oppressed　people. "The Chinese government's policies in these areas will continue to　impact China's image abroad, for good or ill, long after the Olympics spotlight　dims.


In light of this grim situation, we request that:


1. The Chinese government stops its crackdown on innocent people in the guise of Olympic security.


2. The Chinese authorities should account for those who remain in detention and that they will be accorded due process in accordance with international legal standards.


3. Journalists, Representatives from the United Nations and Aid agencies should be provided with free access throughout Tibet, Xinjiang and Inner Mongolia.


4. President Bush and all world leaders attending the Olympics should request permission to travel to Tibet, Xinjiang and Inner Mongolia. Such a visit would demonstrate their genuine concern in resolving the issue through a meaningful and lasting process.