Why We Must Protest: The Case of Falun Gong

When international human rights lawyer David Matas was asked why one should care about the murder of Falun Gong practitioners, he explained why one must not only care but protest the violation of human rights. Citing historical examples, Matas gives reasons based on our interests, our duty, and our humanity.

David Matas is pictured in Singapore's Raffles Hotel on May 30, 2009. On a more recent visit to Singapore, Matas delivered the remarks that are the basis of this article. Mingguo Sun/Epoch Times

Editor’s note: After taking part in an event on July 8 in Singapore marking the launch of his book (with David Kilgour) “Bloody Harvest: The killing of Falun Gong for their organs,” David Matas met with the press. He was asked the following question: “Why should I care about the killing of Falun Gong for their organs? What does it have to do with me?” Matas gave an extemporaneous answer to the question, but then the next day wrote out a fuller response, which is this article.

What are you waiting for? Are you not going to protest until someone comes for you, to kill you for your organs? By then, it will be far too late.