China is urging other nations not to accept lawsuits filed
by the Falungong spiritual sect against Chinese
leaders.
Beijing says the lawsuits aim to stigmatise and
defame the Chinese government.
It says it hopes the relevant countries can take effective and concrete
measures to an end such actions.
The Falungong has filed at least 12 international
lawsuits in nine countries over the past two years accusing high-ranking
Chinese officials or government bodies of crimes against humanity.
Last week, a US judge dismissed a lawsuit that accused former Chinese president
Jiang Zemin of torture and
genocide, on the grounds that he enjoys diplomatic immunity from prosecution.
The group, whose followers practice meditation to improve their physical and
mental well-being, says more than 1,600 members have been tortured or beaten to
death in China in the past four years.
It says 500 have been given prison sentences of more than 20 years, 1,000 have
been interned in mental hospitals and more than 25,000 are in work camps.
The Falungong alleges another 100,000 followers are
being held without trial.