On October 22, 2007, the Standing Committee Member of the Anhui Political Consultative Conference, Wang Zhaojun, published his letter to President Hu Jintao and Premiere Wen Jiabao. In it, he urged them to “immediately stop the persecution of Falun Gong.” The publication of this letter received worldwide attention. In an interview with The Epoch Times on October 30, Bao Tong, the former secretary of Chinese Communist Party (CCP) General Secretary Zhao Ziyang highly praised Wang’s courage, insight, and kindness. He hopes that Wang’s opinions will not only receive adequate attention from relevant officials, but also gain enthusiastic response and support from the entire society.
Less than ten minutes into the conversation, Bao’s phone was cut off by the authorities and his number has remained disconnected ever since.
Human rights lawyer Zhang Jiankang from Xi'an City told The Epoch Times that due to his special position, Wang’s letter has had a shocking impact and influence. It will have serious repercussions.
Kind Actions From One’s Conscience
Bao told the reporter, “I am very excited by the news you just told me. Mr. Wang has such courage and has undertaken such a great responsibility. It’s amazing. I'd like to express my heartfelt respect to him and I hope he will be safe.”
To act according to one’s conscience is the kindest deed, Bao stated. It is the most commendable and it shows that Chinese people’s consciences have not died out. This reflects upon all of us.
The Suppression of Any Citizen Is the Deprivation of All Citizens’ Rights
Wang stated in his letter, “This (the persecution of Falun Gong) is obviously not just targeted at ‘Falun Gong.’ It has victimized the whole nation! Hence the persecution of ‘Falun Gong’ should be stopped immediately and the victims should be compensated.”
Bao expressed his approval, saying, “the suppression of any citizen is the deprivation of all citizens’ rights, and it cannot be tolerated.”
Bao emphasized, “What is most important in China? It is the Chinese citizens’ rights, including freedom of religion, speech, assembly and association. These are the most important. Now the most important thing for China is to establish and maintain these inalienable rights. Paying attention to China’s human rights is a matter of great importance.”
Bao said Wang spoke about what was on people’s minds and he said many things that are not convenient or allowed for many others to say.
The Repercussions Extend Further, To Deeper and Wider Levels
Zhang Jiankang pointed out that Mr. Wang is not only an official within the CCP system, but also a middle class entrepreneur. This means his voice has a great shocking impact and influence. The effect is wide spread, and the repercussions will continue extending even further, to deeper and wider levels.
Bao Tong was the political secretary of former CCP General Secretary Zhao Ziyang, former secretary of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau, former member of the Central Committee, and former Director of the Office of Political Reform of the CCP Central Committee. After the June 4th Tiananmen Massacre, he was sentenced to seven years in prison. He was the highest ranking CCP official prosecuted for the June 4th democratic movement. After being released, he has been put under long-term house arrest and his communications have often been cut off.
