Schiff calls for press freedom in China

As the 2008 Summer Olympics in Bejing approaches, several lawmakers are beating the drum on human rights abuses in China.

Among them is Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Pasadena, who as co-founder of the Congressional Caucus for Freedom of the Press urged the President of the Beijing Organizing Committee of the Olympic Games to improve freedoms for journalists.

"We regret that the highest authorities of the People's Republic of China are not giving a guarantee for more freedom of expression before the Games, especially considering that several aspects of the current situation in China contradict with the Olympic Charter's universal and humanistic values,'' he wrote.

Schiff and other lawmakers chided the Chinese government for forcing journalists to "accept the dictates of the Propaganda Department, which imposes censorship on a wide range of subjects" and urges the body to commit to improving freedom of expression.