At least 6,000 death sentences and 3,500 executions were officially recorded in 1996 alone. The real figures, colleagues, are believed to be much higher. According to the New York Times last week, with the help of Harry Wu, the FBI conducted an uncover investigation, which confirmed claims that the Chinese are selling organs from executed prisoners for transplant. Furthermore, repression has increased steadily. Scores of Roman Catholics and Protestants were arrested.
Crackdowns continue in Tibet.
Authorities ordered the closure of monasteries in Tibet and banned the Dalai Lama's image, and arrests of political dissidents continue. China continues to violently threaten the unique culture, religious, and linguistic identity of the Tibetan people. Taking a firm stand against human rights abuses in China, and around the world, is an expression of our solidarity with people who risk their personal safety to champion these principles. These citizens throughout the world continue to have the courage to speak up for basic freedom. Our country ought to be there supporting these courageous individuals.