TANZANIA (FDI) — The historic legal action against Member of the Chinese State
Council Chen Zhili has taken a major step forward. The preliminary judgment in
Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, on August 3 was in favor of the Falun Gong practitioners
in Ethiopia, on whose behalf attorneys brought the case.
With the judge’s
decision, the civil action has been concluded, clearing the way for a criminal
trial. The case is now in the process of being moved to the Chief State Prosecutor’s
office.
The case was initiated as a civil action via an affidavit filed on
July 19. The affidavit alleges murder and torture of Chinese teachers and students
who practice Falun Gong. Chen was Minister of Education from 1998-2003, during
which time at least 61 teachers or students were killed for practicing Falun Gong.
Chen appeared in front of the judge on July 19, marking the first time any Chinese
official responsible for the persecution of Falun Gong has appeared in person
at any of the legal actions filed in many countries.
For further information:
Ms. Serene Feng, +27 82-8582050 (in Africa)
Mr. John Nania, +1 612-237-3232
(in North America)
