Berlin, August 6, 2008 - Only a few days ahead of the Olympic opening ceremony in Beijing more than 100 international athletes give a strong signal for human rights in China.
The athletes, amongst them a number of former and current Olympic participants such as World Champions Blanka Vlasic, Michael Groß or Irving Saladino, appeal in an open letter to Chinese President Hu Jintao to respect human rights.
The appeal has been initiated by „Sports for Peace“ (www.sportsforpeace.de). Amnesty International and the International Campaign for Tibet welcome the statement and express their solidarity with the athletes who joined the appeal. The appeal is published in the “International Herald Tribune“ today.
The athletes appeal to President Hu Jintao:
· to enable a peaceful solution for the issue of Tibet and other conflicts in your country with respect to fundamental principles of human rights.
· to protect freedom of expression, freedom of religion and freedom of opinion in your country, including Tibet.
· to ensure that human rights defenders are no longer intimidated or imprisoned.
· to stop the death penalty.
The measures taken on these issues will have a strong influence on the outcome of the Olympic Games and the image the world will have of China in the future, concludes the appeal.
The statement can be viewed under www.sportsforpeace.de.
Contact:
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL German Section Press and media .
Postbox 28 01 08. 10411 Berlin
T: +49 30 420248-306
F: +49 30 420248-330
INTERNATIONAL CAMPAIGN FOR TIBET GERMANY
Schönhauser Allee 163, 10435 Berlin
T: +49 30 27879086
F: +49 30 27879087
SPORTS FOR PEACE
Hegelplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
T: +49 30 76 77 525 – 11
F: +49 30 20 45 67 – 21
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