Petition for human rights signed as Beijing gets ready for “harmonious” congress
Beijing (AsiaNews) – More than 12,000 people have signed a petition sent to Communist Party leaders calling for greater democracy and respect for human rights. In the meantime the capital is under tight control as it prepares to host the 17th party congress.
The letter, signed by 12,150 petitioners from 30 provinces, was started by four petitioners from Heilongjiang, Hubei, Hebei and Henan.
It highlights social problems including disputes over rural land seizures, relocation problems caused in urban renewal projects, unemployment, pollution, depleted resources, and a decline in moral standards caused by official abuses of power and disregard for the constitution.
Interestingly these are the same points made by Chinese President and Communist Party General Secretary Hu Jintao, which he considers serious enough to threaten the “survival of the party.”
The letter calls on the country’s leaders to implement political reforms that would allow freedom of expression and a free press, shut down re-education labour camps (laojiao) and guarantee basic human rights as stated in the Chinese constitution.
The letter was sent because more than a year ago the government banned demonstrations and gatherings at important events in which people submit petitions to party leaders.
A few weeks ago it also tore town a tent city, the so-called petition village,’ that had sprung up on the outskirts of the capital to house thousands of farmers or workers seeking redress from the central government.
Meanwhile security appeared tighter yesterday at the Jingxi Hotel where the party central committee is holding its last meeting to prepare the 17th party congress.
The hotel compound was cordoned off by uniformed police officers with many plain-clothes officers and police cars clearly visible.
Public Security Minister Zhou Yongkang ordered police nationwide to "spare no effort" to support security in Beijing and create a "joyous and peaceful" social environment for the congress.
He asked police to reduce the impact of “inharmonious factors,” promising rewards for individuals and departments who make great contributions to congress security, and punishment for those whose dereliction of duty leads to problems.
The minister’s appeal to “harmony” fits in with Hu Jintao’s “harmonious society” mantra. And in order to create an image of such harmony, Chinese media have been urged not to report “negative” stories or news that can harm the country. Pollution, revolts, strikes and questions about religious freedom are among the black-listed issues.
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