Dear Mayor Ed Lee,
It has been brought to our attention that you have recently returned from your first official visit to China where you met with various high-level Chinese political leaders and banking officials. We also understand that you are planning two more similar trips to China this year. Therefore, we wish to bring your attention to the atrocities that continue to be perpetuated by the Chinese government in Tibet. Their ongoing brutality and oppression has created a situation in which more than 100 Tibetans have set themselves on fire to protest for freedom and the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The Chinese government has responded with excessive force; imprisoning and even killing peaceful protestors, shutting down monasteries, and banning all international media.
We are gravely concerned for the Tibetans inside Tibet, and urge you to use your unique position to advocate that the Chinese government immediately stop their violations of Tibetans fundamental human rights to freedom of expression, association, and religion. Furthermore, until such meaningful action is taken to improve the human rights crisis in Tibet, we call on you to immediately cease any and all negotiations with state-owned Chinese enterprises seeking overseas investments in San Francisco. Tibetans and Tibet supporters living all across the country stand together in asking that you make this a top priority in your upcoming meetings with Chinese government leaders.
Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.
