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Rep. Chris Smith Calls on Senate to Pass Stop Forced Organ Harvesting Act, Honors Persecuted Human Rights Lawyers

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

On the 10th anniversary of China's "709" crackdown, Congressman Chris Smith (R-NJ) delivered a keynote address at the "Ten Years After the 709 Crackdown" symposium, marking the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) brutal campaign targeting human rights defenders and lawyers. Smith called for justice for Gao Zhisheng and all other persecuted defenders, announcing legislation to introduce the FREEDOM for Gao Zhisheng Act, which requires a State Department strategy to gain the release of political prisoners. He also urged the Senate to pass his Stop Forced Organ Harvesting Act, highlighting the CCP's unimaginably cruel and painful crimes against humanity.

Key Takeaways:

  • Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) called on the Senate to pass the Stop Forced Organ Harvesting Act (H. R. 1503), which has already passed the House by a margin of 406 to 1.
  • Smith announced the introduction of the FREEDOM for Gao Zhisheng Act, requiring a State Department strategy to gain the release of political prisoners, including Gao Zhisheng, who has not been seen or heard from since 2017.
  • The Chinese Communist Party's "709" crackdown in 2015 targeted over 300 lawyers, legal assistants, and activists, with many subjected to torture, enforced disappearances, and forced televised confessions.
  • Rep. Smith highlighted the CCP's ongoing repression of legal professionals and faith communities, including the targeting of the Uyghurs and Tibetans, and the disappearance of civil liberties in Hong Kong.
  • The Stop Forced Organ Harvesting Act (H. R. 1503) aims to address the CCP's practice of forced organ harvesting, where tens of thousands of people are murdered annually for their internal organs.

Statistics:

  • Over 300 lawyers, legal assistants, and activists were detained during the "709" crackdown in 2015.
  • The Chinese Communist Party has transformed the legal system into an extension of the Party apparatus, compelling lawyers to demonstrate fealty to the Communist Party.
  • The Stop Forced Organ Harvesting Act has passed the House twice, first in 2023 with a vote of 413 to 2, and again in 2023 with a vote of 406 to 1.
  • Tens of thousands of people are murdered annually in China for their internal organs.

Sources:

  • Rep. Chris Smith, "Ten Years After the 709 Crackdown" keynote address
  • ChinaAid and IPK Media
  • Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC)

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