Dear friend,

I am writing to share some news that I believe you will be interested in hearing. A new coalition has been formed to ensure human rights for China and for the future of humanity. It is called The Global Coalition To Bring Jiang To Justice.

Since Jiang Zemin came to power at the time of the Tiananmen Square student massacre in 1989, the condition of human rights in China has continually degenerated. Ignoring the country's own constitution as well as international agreements and laws regarding human rights, Jiang has initiated suppression and persecution that knows no limits. Christian family congregations, Catholic underground churches, Tibetans, Uighur Muslims, Falun Gong, proponents of democracy, workers and labor unionists, farmers, university professors and researchers, Internet users, journalists, doctors - the list of targets is long.

However, Jiang's most despicable crime is not limited to how many people he has persecuted or how he has deceived the world in covering it up. His worst offense is to use Gestapo-like tactics to deprive people of their dignity. He has promised to spare victims' lives if they renounce their religious beliefs or betray their friends. He has promised government officials and police money and benefits if they ignore their own conscience and participate in violating human rights. He has made a mockery of the judicial system by forcing the courts to turn a blind eye to justice in ignoring such violations and by creating laws to suit his purposes. And he has forced the media to compromise its professional integrity, using it at will to fabricate and circulate lies and propaganda. In many ways, he is eroding the core of humanity by attacking the essence of what makes us human, thus threatening our modern civilization.

This Coalition is dedicated to exposing the crimes of Jiang and his cohorts so the world can judge on the basis of conscience and principle. There is no political purpose or agenda. There is only the commitment to defend ethics, morality, and justice by shining the light on violence, corruption, and injustice. Bringing Jiang to justice on the basis of principle and law is unprecedented in China, as it establishes a peaceful means of removing a dangerous dictator. In this way, we hope to awaken people's conscience and send a message that tyranny will no longer be tolerated by the world's citizens.

Response to the Coalition's formation has been overwhelmingly positive. Since the Coalition was recently proposed in July 2003, more than 50 organizations and many individuals from several continents have decided to join and contribute to this effort. The Coalition plans to make an announcement of its formal establishment on September 30 in Washington, D.C., and we welcome your participation in this mission to balance the scales of justice for humanity by holding Jiang accountable for his crimes.

Sincerely,

The Outreach Committee for the Global Coalition To Bring Jiang To Justice