CRI听力: Melbourne Chinese Strongly Condemn the Screening of a Documentary on Kadeer

Members of overseas Chinese groups in Melbourne have expressed their condemnation after the screening of a documentary on Uighur separatist Rebiya Kadeer on Saturday, as an entry of the 58th Melbourne International Festival. CRI's Australia correspondent, Chen Feng, has more.

Reporter: Dozens of overseas Chinese rallied outside the Melbourne Town Hall Saturday night, when Kadeer arrived for the screening of "10 Conditions of Love," a film on her life, as a "guest of honor".

Protesters said Beijing was right to label Kadeer a "criminal" who instigated last month's violence in China's Xinjiang Autonomous Region that left at least 197 dead. They argued that it's not appropriate to show the film in public with Kadeer herself present. (www.hXen.com)

Meanwhile, overseas Chinese groups headed by the Federation of Chinese Association of Victoria, have expressed their indignation with news conferences and statements in local newspapers. They also hoped that in doing so, people can see clearly that Kadeer is the one that stood behind the riots early last month.

The screening happened despite Chinese Consul-general in Melbourne, Shen Weilian, urged Mayor (Name plz) to personally intervene.

Earlier, Australian Foreign Minister, Stephen Smith, stated that Australia respects China's "territorial integrity and sovereignty" over Xinjiang and does not necessarily agree with Kadeer's views.

Chen Feng, CRI news, Sydney.