E/CN.4/2001/0063 page 39 political and anti-Chinese. The Chinese Government firmly opposes all attacks in the form of rumour-mongering and the use of religion to undermine the sovereignty of other States. Chinese citizens enjoy religious freedom and related rights under the Constitution and Chinese law, but these instruments also impose duties on them. The Constitution of the People’s Republic of China clearly stipulates that no one may use religion for purposes designed to disturb public order, endanger public health or disrupt the smooth functioning of the State educational system. Zhang Rongliang, Feng Jianguo and the other persons involved were punished according to law, not because of their faith but because they were performing illegal activities which constituted a serious threat to public order and undermined the laws and regulations of the State.” Sudan 151. With reference to the case of the Catholic priests Father Lino Sabbat and H. Boma, who were arrested in August 1998 and accused of being linked to explosions in Khartoum in June 1998 (see E/CN.4/2000/1999/58, para. 96, and E/CN.4/2000/65, para. 94), the Sudan replied: “The above-mentioned persons have been arrested and charged with the bombing in Khartoum of 30 June 1998. The accused were presented to a trial before a field military court which was later cancelled by the Constitutional Court. His Excellency the President pardoned all the accused in the case on 6 December 1999. Upon the declaration, His Excellency the Minister of Justice ordered the immediate release of all the accused and the stay of all legal proceedings against them.” 152. Regarding the deportation by the immigration services of a Canadian Catholic priest without explanation in August 1999 (see E/CN.4/2000/65, para. 94), the Sudan replied: “Brother Gilles Poirier was deported because he entered the country illegally and engaged in activities which compromised national security while he was in the Sudan.” 153. The Special Rapporteur requests the Sudanese Government to provide more detailed information concerning the charge of “compromising national security”. 154. The Special Rapporteur has also received the Sudan’s reply to an urgent appeal made in 1999 in connection with the arrest and disappearance of Nasser Hussein (or Nasir Hassan) following his conversion to Christianity (see E/CN.4/1999/58, para. 96). The Sudan replied: “… During a meeting with the rapporteur of the Human Rights Advisory Council which took place on 6 February 1999 in the presence of Brother Yohannes Garangtab, a member of the Council, Nasser Hussein stated that he had been arrested on several occasions for disrespect towards Islam, but that since his release late in November 1998 he had not been rearrested and had led a normal life. He may be contacted through the Human Rights Advisory Council …”.