A letter from the Town of Brookline to Chinese Ambassador June 18, 2002

Deborah Goldberg

Dear Ambassador Jiechi,

I am writing on behalf of the Brookline Board of Selectmen for your assistance in the case of Dr. Yang, Jianli. Each member of the Board, who are elected to represent our Town of 57,000 citizens, endorses this communication to you.

Dr. Yang and his family are residents of our Town. Unfortunately, it has been reported that Dr. Yang was detained on April 26th in Kunming China. His family’s distress over this situation was reported just last week in our local newspaper.

Dr. Yang’s health, his family and his special circumstances are of special concern to us. He is widely known as a prominent advocate for democracy and human rights in China and has testified numerous times on Capital Hill.

While we are aware that there is question about compliance with immigration requirements, we urge you and the People’s Republic of China to extend all humanitarian considerations to Dr. Yang. His healthy and safe return to his family in Brookline will be an important message for this country and the entire world.

Thank you for your time and concern in the matter of importance.

Sincerely yours,

Deborah Goldberg, Chair

Board of Selectmen

Cc: Senator Edward M. Kennedy

Senator John F. Kerry

Town Administrator Richard Kelliher

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Source: "ChinaEWeekly".