5 July 1995

DETENTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS ADVOCATE, MR HARRY WU

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Evans, expressed grave concern at the recent detention of human rights advocate, Mr Harry Wu. Mr Wu, an American citizen, was detained on 19 June at a border post in the far-west Chinese region of Xinjiang.

Senator Evans said he had the highest admiration and respect for Mr Wu, who had been a selfless champion of the cause of human rights in China. He had been tireless in his campaign to expose conditions in China's prison labour camps and in his championing of the rights of prisoners detained for their political beliefs. Senator Evans said he had met Mr Wu on two occasions on his visits to Australia.

The Government is closely monitoring Mr Wu's case. On 30 June the Australian Embassy in Beijing made representations to the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and urged upon the Chinese Government a speedy resolution to Mr Wu's case. The Ministry confirmed that Mr Wu's case was under investigation and that he was being detained in connection with activities he had undertaken on earlier visits to China. The Australian Embassy is actively seeking to clarify details of the possible charges to be laid against him.

Senator Evans said that he noted with concern that the Chinese Government had not yet granted the US Government consular access to Mr Wu. He hoped this situation would be rectified soon and that Mr Wu would be granted every right to which he was entitled.

Senator Evans also expressed the hope the Chinese Government would look leniently on any allegations against Mr Wu and looked forward to his early release.

MELBOURNE