“Brave” Council sanctions China criticism

Leeds City Councillors have given a humanitarian activist the go-ahead to speak publically on human rights abuses in China, just days after the country’s Olympic team arrived in the city. 

Mary Man, from Kirkstall, will give a deputation to the full Leeds City Council meeting today. 

The news comes after recent tensions after China threatened to withdraw its Olympic team from Leeds after the city welcomed the Dalai Lama.

Man said the Council was “very brave” to allow her to shed light on China’s record.

Ms Man has also invited the Chinese athletes to ‘The Art of Shan Ren’ exhibition, which shows images of torture allegedly carried out by the Chinese government.  

Man, who moved to Leeds from China in 2003, explained: “In China the media is controlled… they don’t know the truth”.

She said of the Council “History will recognise that they have done a good thing”, adding “by saying nothing you are helping persecution”.

Author: Ellie Parkes