Massachusatts Congressional Delegation's Letter to Secretary Colin Powell(9/9/02)MA Congressional Delegation September 9, 2002 The Honorable Colin Powell Secretary of State State Department 2201 C Street, NW Washington, DC 20520 Dear Secretary Powell: We would like to bring to your attention the case of Dr. Yang Jianli, a legal U.S. resident and chairman of the Boston-based Foundation for China in the 21st Century, who has been detained by Chinese authorities since late April. On behalf of Dr. Yang's wife and children, who are American citizens residing in Massachusetts, we would appreciate your assistance in having the Department continue to discuss this case with the Chinese government, especially in the context of increased communications leading to the upcoming visit of President Jiang Zemin. A number of members of Congress have already written to the Chinese government requesting its compliance with its own laws regarding notification to the family detailing the charges and location of the detainee. This notification is necessary in order to retain legal counsel in China. Despite these requests, as of the time of this letter, the family has still not been notified of Dr. Yang's status and they have not been allowed to see him. Dr. Yang is a leading scholar of Chinese democratic constitutional theory and a persistent advocate for democracy and the rule of law in China. He has also testified before the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives on Chinese human rights violations. We are concerned that the Chinese Government's treatment of Dr. Yang in denying him the due process required under its laws may be based in part on his past criticism of the Chinese government and his advocacy for reform. We strongly urge the Department to continue to press the Chinese government with regard to Dr. Yang's case so that he can be reunited with his family in Massachusetts. And we would appreciate any efforts on your behalf to encourage the Chinese government to provide Dr. Yang's family with the notification required under Chinese law and to allow Dr. Yang access to a lawyer and family members. SENATOR EDWARD M. KENNEDY SENATOR JOHN F. KERRY REP. BARNEY FRANK REP. EDWARD J. MARKEY REP. WILLIAM D. DELAHUNT REP. JAMES P. MCGOVERN REP. JOHN W. OLVER REP. MARTIN T. MEEHAN REP. JOHN F. TIERNEY REP. RICHARD E. NEAL REP. STEPHEN F. LYNCH REP. MICHAEL E. CAPUANO -------------------------- |