This report released by the United States government could be added onto the various political woes surrounding China as it is set to host the Olympics games in its capital of Beijing. Many groups have already planned to use the Olympics in Beijing as a temporary base of operations to state various protests due to the free press that can be taken advantage of to publicize their causes.
The report that has been issued by the United States Department of State explains that China is a nation that denies the basic human rights and freedom to its own people. It also charges that China’s government tortures prisoners using such methods like electrical shock along with harassing both journalists and foreign aid workers.
Other forms of torture listed in the report about China include beatings and shackles.
The report said that China is still on the list of known major violators of human rights. It further explains that it extends to the enforcement of the “one-child” policy that has been around for many years. Those that have violated the policy were forced to relocate and move from their homes.
It was stated in the report that it would also make way for projects in regards to the Beijing Olympics.
“The year 2007 saw increased efforts to control and censor the Internet, and the government tightened restrictions on freedom of speech and the domestic press,” the report said in regards to China. It adds: “The government continued to monitor, harass, detail, arrest, and imprison journalists, Internet writers, and bloggers.”
Countries such as Russia, Cuba, Iran, Zimbabwe, Syria, and North Korea were also listed in the report.
The report had given harsh criticisms towards North Korea. However, the report did not put in anything in regards to the deal for the country to stop its nuclear program and disclose all details.
“Pregnant female prisoners underwent forced abortions in some cases, and in other cases babies were killed upon birth in prisoners,” the report said in regards to North Korea.
But this new report from the US State Department can add to the turmoil that is due to surround the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China.
The issue of human rights violations is nothing new. However, many groups have planned to take advantage of the free publicity by protesting at the actual games and at the torch relay points.
There is the issue of tainted food in China which caused much concern. Some countries plan to bring their own food instead.
Another issue is the violence and bloodshed in the Darfur region of Sudan. Hollywood award-winning director Steven Spielberg had resigned from his position as a creative director for the Beijing games. He stated in his resignation that China is not doing enough to stop the violence in Darfur.
Last year during the CNN Democratic debates, New Mexico Governor Bill Richard, a former hopeful gave the suggestion that the United States threaten to boycott the Olympics as an effort to pressure China to do more to stop the violence. He noted that China controls Sudan’s economy.
Recently, the pro-Tibetan independence activists and Tibetan exiles have started to march forward in order to protest at the Beijing Olympics.
This new report from the US State Department could be considered another possible strike against the Olympics in Beijing.