Human rights concerns ahead of China's 60th anniversary
Human rights concerns ahead of China's 60th anniversary
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Tuesday, 29, Sep 2009 12:30
By Richard James.
Humanitarian groups have raised serious concerns over the actions of Chinese authorities in the build up to the country's 60th anniversary.
October 1st marks the 60 years since the founding of the People's Republic of China.
However, Amnesty International has claimed authorities have increased surveillance, harassment and imprisonment of activists in an attempt to prevent them from raising human rights concerns during the apparent displays of "social harmony".
Amnesty estimates several hundreds activists and dissidents have been placed under house arrest or some form of surveillance.
Roseann Rife, Amnesty International Asia Pacific deputy director, said: "The Chinese government wants to celebrate the country's success while ensuring that no dissenting view or complaint is heard.
"As a result, what the Chinese government is highlighting is its own fear of giving the Chinese people a real voice to talk about the reality of their lives, good and bad.
"We call on the authorities to immediately and unconditionally lift all restrictions on human rights activists and release all prisoners of conscience across the country."
Amnesty claims during the past few weeks, the authorities have increased their surveillance of petitioners, human rights activists, religious practitioners and ethnic minorities to ensure that they do not try and form any kind of protest during the National Day celebrations.