A/56/253 8. The Special Rapporteur recalls that, in any case, freedom of thought is an absolute freedom and no one should be judged on any matter related to it, or claim to be its guardian. The manifestations of freedom of thought can be subject to limitations under international law, it being understood that equitable justice must allow room for the disputes resulting from such limitations, always bearing in mind the principle of proportionality between the offence and the penalty and the reasonable and legitimate character of both the prosecution and the punishment. The following clarifications were also provided by China: Clarifications “Falun Gong is not a religion; it is a sect that has concocted gibberish — based on borrowings from Buddhism, Taoism and Christianity — for the purpose of hoodwinking the gullible. Falun Gong has assumed the outward trappings of a religion in order to better blaspheme against religion. The first Falun Gong guru, Li Hongzhi, has declared that medicines are not to be used to treat diseases and has solemnly proclaimed that the Earth will explode in the forthcoming apocalypse. By plundering the masses, he has amassed a private fortune. It is estimated that Falun Gong excesses have caused over 1,600 deaths. Many more people have left their home in a complete spiritual daze, breaking all ties with their families. Their right to health, even to life, is thus seriously compromised. “What is more, Falun Gong has also stolen State secrets, orchestrated attacks against the media, harassed public services and disrupted traffic, generally undermining law and order with its excessive behaviour. Its actions reveal that far from being a religion sheltering behind human rights instruments, Falun Gong is a social, scientific and human heresy that is a serious threat to society. Such actions have been denounced by religious thinkers, scientists and ordinary citizens alike. “By taking measures against Falun Gong, the Government of China seeks merely to safeguard the rights and freedoms of its citizens in order that they might freely exercise their religious beliefs. It deeply respects the universal principles of human rights and aims to promote and protect fundamental freedoms and rights, including freedom of worship. International human rights instruments such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, while emphasizing rights and freedoms, also explicitly provide for necessary limits on the exercise of certain rights in order to preserve national security, public safety, law and order, public health and the rights and freedoms of others. “Many countries in different parts of the world have taken strict measures against organized sects whose activities undermine public interest and threaten social cohesion. The Chinese authorities have done no more than that. In today’s world, all sorts of fanatical movements are appearing like malignant tumours in the body. No responsible Government can afford to ignore the threat thus hovering continually over the well-being of all. The legal measures implemented by the Chinese Government against Falun Gong and its leaders are by no means 52