MEP backs Mongolians

Date: 12/06/03

ITALIAN MEP Marco Cappato has called on the European Commission to exert its diplomatic power after Chinese authorities raided and closed hundred of 'cybercafés' in Inner Mongolia - denying hundreds of people access to the internet.

The civil rights campaigner said the Chinese had mobilized hundreds of police officers across the Huhhot City area to inspect more than 500 premises since 10 April. Since then 80 have been closed down, said Cappato.

At the same time, the MEP says local authorities passed a decree stating that "using online games, allowing young people access to the internet, keeping cyber cafés open until late and allowing people access to the internet without ascertaining their identity constitutes unlawful activities".

This is an apparent breach of Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, says Cappato.