Todays Ramblings

Back in touch

I have finally had the time to sit down and journalize my thoughts. I have kept up reading my subscriptions which I really enjoy reading. I wanted to thank “kirei pan” for the tip on L.I.N.K. I am thankful for people that take an interest in others and are not afraid to interact. Helping our fellow human beings is a noble and worthwhile endeavor.

My thoughts today are on “forgotten people”. Many times we read something about someone and soon forget the event or the person that perked our interest. Maybe it is an old school friend, or a teacher, or maybe things on a vacation. Maybe it was someone in the national spotlight that deserved our attention. They often quickly fade from our memories. My interest in those that suffer persecution in one form or another causes me to continually pause and think about those that have been forgotten. I have to reread articles and go through my journals to remind myself of those that impacted my life at one time or another. Then I find that I have to research to find out what happened to them or where they are at today.

I had an opportunity last week to call the wife of a friend of mine in China who is in prison while she was visiting him. We could not understand each other but the impact of hearing each other’s voices was uplifting. Prior to the call I had written another letter that is translated by a group in Japan, and then sent to my friend. What saddened me was the reply that no one really cares about this man anymore. He is in prison for assisting in the escape of refugees from China to South Korea. There was an initial push last year to keep this incident at a high profile in the press. Now it is barely mentioned anymore. Where are the ones who wanted to fight on his behalf? Do we sometimes give up to easily when we do not see immediate results?

I would encourage you to look into your past memories and see if there is not someone that you could encourage or someone that you should contact just as a friend. Our memories will always last for our lifetime. The same applies to people we have encountered. You can make a difference.

Here is the story of one person that has impacted my life. 

Choi Yong-hun was sentenced in Yantai City, Shandong Province, China on May 22, 2003 to 5 years in prison for assisting in the escape of North Korean refugees from China to South Korea. Today his wife and children are pleading for the world to stand up and take notice of the injustice and fictitious charges. His accomplice Seok Jae-hyun has received more attention because of his affiliations with the New York Times. He was only there to document the dramatic escape. The absurd charge for these men was one of trafficking in human beings (assisting North Koreans to cross the border). The nation of China needs to know that the world will not be silent when an injustice has been committed and the human rights of individuals are violated.

 Mr. Choi is 40 years old and is a native Korean. He was employed as a heavy equipment salesman with a territory of Northern China. In 1998 Choi Yong-hun became compassionate for the fate of North Koreans who had crossed the border into China. Subjected to abuses and hunted down by Chinese authorities, these refugees have no one to turn to. Mr. Choi began to help as many as he could. He found jobs for them in factories and safe places of shelter. He then began to work secretively in obtaining safe exodus into other countries with the eventual destination of South Korea. At approximately 7 AM on January 18^th 2003, the Chinese Police (PSB) arrested Choi Yong-hun, Seok Jae-hyun and 15 refugees. The refugees were sent home to a fate that we could only imagine in our worst nightmares. The two men were put into detention along with one other Chinese co-worker.

 On April 22, 2003 they received their first hearing in the Yantai China People’s Court. There were no journalists or NGO representatives present. Mr. Choi was denied the basic rights of a fair trial. Mr. Choi and his family did not appoint the defense lawyer. His defense lawyer did not consult Mr. Choi about the plea to enter. The defense lawyer would not meet with Mr. Choi’s wife. He did not speak Korean and a competent interpreter was not provided. As observed the defense seemed to support the prosecution. The interpreter in the courtroom was not fluent in Korean and mis-translated many statements. Seok Jae-hyun’s lawyer tried to point out the mistakes in translation. Additionally, the interpreter worked for the prosecution and defense at the same time. Based on those statements this trial violates the United Nations Covenant on Civil and Political Rights of which China became a party to in 1998. Who will call them into accountability?

 Choi Yong-hun spoke the following eloquent words, “All humans in the world are born to be loved. North Korean refugees cross the border to China to escape from hunger. There they become targets for human trafficking, or they are forced to steal simply to survive in China. Meanwhile Chinese authorities hunt them down, I decided to assist these people, hoping to be of some help.” Suffering from asthma, diabetes and high blood pressure Mr. Choi has been denied his medications. Reports are that his health is declining. It is time for journalists, NGO’s and human rights advocates to rise to the call of justice and keep Choi Yong-hun in the public spotlight and keep the pressure on China as we appeal this unjust and hasty verdict. I will not forget Choi Yong-hun. Will you?

 Finally, on June 5, 2003 I received word that the Family of Choi Yong-hun had obtained a new lawyer who has filed an appeal of the verdict and on June 18^th was notified that Jubilee Campaign US is filing a petition with the UN Human Rights Committee, Amnesty- Germany and CSW have issued action alerts to assist in writing representatives of the Chinese Government.

This informative release is based on first hand information provided by the family of Choi Yong-hun. Jim Djkstra provides this release. I am a volunteer staff researcher for www.chosunjournal.com and www.christianmonitor.org. I am actively involved in several groups throughout Asia and work freelance in my opinions and editorials.