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protests against the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners before the Chinese
consulate in Manchester.
391.
In view of allegations of ill-treatment of Hua Jin and threats related to his
practice of Falun Gong, concern was expressed that he might have been at risk of
torture or other forms of ill-treatment should he be returned.
Response from the Government dated 30 August 2005
392.
On 30 August 2005 the Government replied to the communication of 25
April 2005 concerning Hua Jin. The Government informed that he was scheduled to
return to China on 26 April 2005. It informed that the allegations regarding Hua Jin’s
treatment in China essentially repeat the account he gave to the Adjudicator who
heard his appeal against the refusal of his asylum claim. The account Hua Jin gave to
the Adjudicator contained a number of discrepancies when compared with the
accounts he had previously put forward in support of his claim. The Adjudicator did
not accept that Hua Jin was arrested or persecuted in China. His application to appeal
against the Adjudicator’s decision to the Immigration Appeal Tribunal was refused on
25 June 2004.
Communication sent on 14 July 2005
393.
The Special Rapporteur first wished to condemn the bombings which took
place in London on 7 July 2005 and expressed her sympathy and her sorrow to the
families of all those killed. She also praised the Government as well as the people of
London for pursuing the values of tolerance and non-discrimination.
394.
The Special Rapporteur then brought to the attention of the Government
information she had received according to which, despite strong calls from
community leaders not to retaliate on any group, following these attacks Muslims
across the country had been facing a stream of insults and attacks.
395.
According to the information received, there had been several arson attacks
and acts of vandalism reported on mosques in various parts of the country, including
London, the West Midlands, Merseys ide, Leeds, Tower Hamlets [east London],
Merton [south London] Telford and Birkenhead. For instance, the police were
investigating a fire in a Leeds mosque, which might have been caused either by a
petrol bomb or an incendiary device.
396.
It was further reported that Muslim monitoring groups had recorded with the
authorities between three and four thousand hateful and threatening messages
received by mosques across the country. The East London Mosque, near the site of
one of the attacks, had reportedly received hate e-mails and specific threats to disrupt
Friday prayers. A few police officers reportedly stood outside during the prayers on 8
July 2005, which ultimately ended without any incidents.
397.
In view of the above, the Special Rapporteur welcomed reports that the
police service has increased patrols near places of worship and has put in place
consultations with a view to reassure and protects all individuals in the country.