Media Release

30 August 2002

Government MPs Should Hang Their Heads In Shame

NZ First MP Peter Brown has criticised the Government for not sending any representatives to meet Wei Jinsheng, South China’s most famous exile, yesterday. “I felt privileged to meet him and shake his hand” Mr Brown said.

“It is shameful that nobody from the Government turned up to meet Wei Jinsheng and they should hang their heads in shame for failing to applaud the man, who has been fighting for freedom in his country and being punished whilst standing up for democracy.”

“I spent a year as a young ship’s officer sailing on the Chinese coast whilst the vessel was on charter to the Chinese. I saw firsthand the appalling conditions being suffered by Chinese people by their oppressive Government. I saw very young children working on the wharves and in the holds of ships whilst armed guards stood by everywhere. Perhaps the armed guards have gone, but from my discussions with Mr Wei Jinsheng, I am not sure a great deal else has changed.

“It is typical of this Government to preach liberalism and advocate the civil rights of individuals when it suits them, but ignore these principles when the opportunity for practical support is given.

“It is time for the Government to take a firm stand for the civil rights of people everywhere in the world and to stop discriminating in their attention to freedom fighters, concluded Mr Brown.

ENDS

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