Attention News/Assignment Editors:
Reporters Without Borders calls for a demonstration in front of the Chinese embassy in Ottawa on Thursday August 7
MONTREAL, Aug. 6 /CNW Telbec/ – Reporters Without Borders isco-organizing a demonstration in front of the Chinese embassy on August 7.Reporters Without Borders will be taking part in many other demonstrationsaround the world on August 7 and 8. Peaceful rallies will be held in London, Madrid, Berlin, Rome, Washington, Stockholm and Lausanne . For those who willnot be able to make it all the way to these cities, we are also calling onInternet users to join us for a cyber-demonstration on
www.rsfbeijing2008.org.Internet users from all over the world will have the opportunity to protestoutside a virtual version of Beijing’s Olympic Stadium, waving a placard withthe slogan of their choice. The aim of demonstration in Ottawa is to call for the release of imprisoned Chinese journalists and human rights activists. We will also bedemanding China to put an end to the harassment and permanent surveillance ofjournalists. When Beijing was designated as host-city for the 2008 SummerOlympic Games, China made solemn promises to improve the situation of humanrights. Unfortunately, no significant improvement has been observed over thepast seven years. Various renowned speakers will be present at the event, including Katherine Borlongan (Secretary General of Reporters Without Borders Canada),Nazanin Afshin-Jam (former Miss Canada and Miss World 1st runner up), DavidKilgour (Secretary of state Asia-Pacific), Irwin Cotler (former Minister ofJustice), Beryl Wajsman (editor-in-chief for the Suburban),Scott Reid (DeputyLeader of the Government in the House of Commons), as wellas Kevin McLeod(co-director of the Canadian Friends of Burma) and Thubten Samdup(representative of the Tibetan Government in exile). A few hours before the opening ceremony of the Olympics, ReportersWithout Borders remains resolutely mobilized and continues to remind Chinaof its promises. China got “their” Olympics ; it is now time for the country to show the world that it can keep their promises and stop violating human rights. The demonstration will take place: on Thursday August 7 at noon in front of the Chinese embassy (515 Saint-Patrick Street) For further information: Damien Bizot, (514) 521-4111 (Wednesday, August6), (514) 258-4208 (Thursday, August 7), rsfcanada4@rsf.org