China 'Sells Organs Of Dead Prisoners'

5:32pm UK, Wednesday April 19, 2006

China has been accused of harvesting the organs of executed prisoners without consent.

British experts say organs are being taken from thousands of people every year and sold for transplants.

It is claimed organs are taken from executed prisoners

The British Transplantation Society has condemned the practice - which Chinese officials deny - as a breach of human rights.

Professor Stephen Wigmore, who chairs the society's ethics committee, said the speed of matching donors and patients implied prisoners were being selected before execution.

He said: "The weight of evidence has accumulated to a point over the last few months where it's really incontrovertible in our opinion.

"We condemn unreservedly any activity that transgresses an individual's human rights or involves the coercion of an individual to become an organ donor.

"The alleged sale of organs derived from executed prisoners for financial gain is a lamentable practice.

"Aware also of the burden of human suffering that flows from the worldwide shortages of ethically-acceptable organs, any act that risks calling the practice of transplantation into disrepute is to be regretted."

A Sky News undercover report shows at least one Chinese medic admitting the practice.

"Our hospital can provide organs the fastest because we have the best connections," one nurse said, alluding to links to military police.

Prof Wigmore said he and his colleagues all knew of patients who had researched the possibility of going to China for transplants.

Last week, a Chinese health official said organs from executed prisoners were used, but only with prior permission and in very few cases.

Authorities have announced steps to tighten regulations surrounding transplants.

From July, selling organs will be illegal and all donors must give written permission.

The Chinese embassy in London denied the claims to Sky News.