(Clearwisdom.net) Mr. Fan Zhenguo, previously the director of Tianshenghao Retirement Home, was sentenced to eight years in prison in 2008 for practicing Falun Gong. Some three years later, on September 11, 2011, he died as a result of persecution in Panjin Prison at the age of 50. On September 13, prison authorities forced his family to cremate his body.

Mr. Fan Zhenguo

Mr. Fan’s family requested to view the prison surveillance video, but the authorities said that a camera had not been set up.

Mr. Fan was illegally arrested several times for practicing Falun Gong after the Chinese Communist Party launched the persecution in July 1999. On June 28, 2000, while he was watching TV with around a dozen other people, Mr. Fan was arrested by Sanjiazi Town police. He was detained for eleven days and was dismissed from his post as the director of Tianshenghao Retirement Home.

In February 2007, Mr. Fan was arrested by Sihedang Town police officers for putting up banners that clarified the facts about Falun Gong. He was interrogated for two hours. On July 20, Sihedang Town police and Sanjiazi Town police went to Mr. Fan’s home and attempted to arrest him. Mr. Fan managed to escape. In November, officers from the Lingyuan Domestic Security Division went to Mr. Fan’s home and attempted to take him away, but failed to do so.

On the night of July 19, 2008, about ten practitioners from the towns of Sanjiazi and Tianshenghao were distributing truth-clarification materials in the Pingfangzi and Taohuachi areas of Kazuo County. When they were about to drive back, around 1:30 a.m.., they were stopped by police from Pingfangzi Police Station.

The director of the police substation, Wang Xiaofeng, took out a gun, while another policeman held an electric baton and forced the practitioners’ car door open. They found literature exposing the persecution and forced everyone to get out of the car and get into the police cars. Mr. Fan Zhenguo constantly clarified the facts to the policemen until the officers held his head down so that he could not talk. Afterwards, two police cars took the ten practitioners to Pingfangzi Police Station.

Mr. Fan climbed over the fence of the police station and escaped. The police conducted three searches, but didn’t find him.

On July 29, under the command of Wang Xishan, the Communist Party committee secretary of Sanjiazi Township, Lingyuan City, Li Bin and Li Qin teamed up with police from Pingfangzi Police Station to arrest Mr. Fan. The police broke into Mr. Fan’s home and arrested him. The police beat Mr. Fan, threw him to the ground, and stomped on his head. Mr. Fan was later severely beaten at Sanjiazi Police Station.

Four months later, Mr. Fan was secretly sentenced to eight years in prison, and was incarcerated in Panjin Prison. While in prison, he was subjected to forced labor, and he lost consciousness several times due to abuse.

Mr. Fan became unconscious for the last time at around 7:40 p.m. on September 11, 2011. He was sent to the prison hospital and was later hurried to the Lingyuan City No.2 Hospital. He died at 9:40 p.m. that night. The prison authorities sent a text message to Mr. Fan’s wife at 12:45 a.m.

Falun Gong truth-clarifying posters at different tourist spots in Hong Kong have been ordered removed

Since the persecution of Falun Gong in China started in July, 1999, Hong Kong Falun Gong practitioners have been clarifying the truth of the persecution on street corners and at many tourist sites. The many Falun Gong signs and banners have been viewed by many as an indicator of the freedom of expression in Hong Kong.

However, since the recent visit by CCP vice prime minister Li Keqiang in August, the Hong Kong government has taken a series of measures to suppress civilians’ rights of free expression and to restrict normal media activities. On September 2, several Falun Gong truth-clarifying sites received a letter from the Food and Environment Hygiene Department (FEHD) which demanded the practitioners remove their posters and banners at the penalty up to $10,000 HKD (~$1300) and $300 HKD/day. By September 8, over 10 sites have received such a letter. For example, over 10 officials of the FEHD recently went to Lok Ma Chau site and they tied a plastic wrapped letter to each practitioners’ banner and poster. They also told the practitioners that the signs must be removed immediately because of upcoming district election. They stayed at the site for about one hour, harassing the practitioners who were conducting their normal truth-clarifying activities. The FEHD officials threatened further action in a few days.

A Hong Kong Falun Gong spokesperson said that their truth-clarifying activities, including the display of banners and posters in public places, are basic rights of freedom of expression which are enshrined by the Hong Kong Basic Law. He said:

“All signs are setup daily at the beginning of our activities and taken off at the end of the day. They are of no danger to passersby, traffic or public health. Such peaceful activities should never be suppressed by the government. In the past 12 years, we have been holding this type of peaceful demonstration to raise awareness of the persecution in China all the time, and they have become a special attraction in the city. However, our activities have recently been interfered by the Food and Environment Hygiene Department. Evidently, the intention is to limit our freedom of speech and expression. For example, when the CCP vice prime minister visited Hong Kong in this past August, people were not even allowed to wear T-shirts [related to the Tiananmen Square Massacre of 1989.]”

The spokesman stressed that Hong Kong residents have the right to peaceful rallies and demonstrations in public areas. Any interference from the government to Falun Gong truth-clarifying activities, including forced relocation and confiscation of demonstration materials, violate the Basic Law. As victims of such interference, practitioners reserve their rights to seek damages and justice in the courts.

In the past several days, many practitioners have visited FEHD and other related government agencies to clarify the truth and express their position. They clearly stated that they will not remove any banners and posters. According to practitioner Liao Qiulan who has been involved in this effort, some high level officials were speechless and helpless facing practitioners clarification.

The spokesman said that this interference revealed that the Hong Kong government is once again cooperating with the CCP to import its tyranny to Hong Kong and trample Hong Kong core values. The general public will not agree with this and public servants will not assist the government in these wrongdoings. He called upon the general public to step up to protect Hong Kong core values.

Leung Kwok-hung, legislative council member, urged the general public to be alert to government violations of civil rights. “According the Basic Law, freedom of expression is one of the basic rights. The incident not only targets Falun Gong, it targets all of society. We cannot allow the government to limit citizen rights for any excuse.”

Raymond Wong, legislative council member, pointed out that freedom of expression should not be jeopardized no matter what regulations are to be enacted for the upcoming district election. He believed that this incident was planned by the government and the CCP must be behind it because the CCP cannot tolerate Falun Gong efforts to end the persecution.

Due to NTDTV finalizing a contract renewing NTDTV broadcasts into Taiwan and China, beginning August 1, 2011, satellite downlink frequencies will be changed to 3655MHz～3659MHz, with remaining parameters unchanged. NTDTV will continue transmitting uncensored information to viewers in Taiwan and China.

Mr. Lai Chung-chiang (赖中强), convener of the Cross-Strait Agreement Watch Alliance, said, “I think it is not only a victory for NTDTV, it should be said that Taiwan has continuously upheld its position on freedom of the press as it should have.”

Mr. Yen Chueh-an (颜厥安), convener of the Association of Taiwan Democracy, said, “This is a characteristic of Taiwan’s democratic society. It allowed this issue to be fully discussed and exposed, so that the entity who’s rights and interests were infringed upon has a means of relief. Of most importance is that after the issue came to light, everyone could express their viewpoints. We could then determine the best course of action. Be it opposition party, or the ruling party, officials or politicians, all spoke out. Through a certain amount of civil mobilization, combined with official power, the best solution was finally achieved.”

People from all walks of life in Taiwan and abroad were pleased that Taiwan ultimately stood firm along with NTDTV, the benchmark of freedom of speech. NTDTV Asia Pacific Television said that after being carried on the new ST2 Satellite, they will fulfill their responsibility as a media entity, from an international perspective, presenting truthful reports on China, Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan, and programming on traditional Chinese culture, to the viewers. They hope that the audience at home and abroad will continue to offer support and advice.

Letter from Member of the European Parliament, Zuzana Roithova

Member of European Parliament

Zuzana Roithova

Brussels, 13^th July 2011

Dear Falun Gong practitioners:

Thank you for inviting me to write this letter for you, in regard to July 20^th, 2011, as the 12^thanniversary of the beginning of the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners by the Chinese government.

As we know, on July 20^th 1999, the Chinese government initiated the persecution of Falun Gong – unparalleled in its severity in recent times. In response, Falun Gong practitioners have maintained a quiet heroism in exerting a peaceful and comprehensive anti persecution campaign until the present time.

Your efforts to draw attention to this unprecedented persecution are essential for the fight against this persecution. It is very important to encourage the international community to apply pressure on the Chinese regime to honor its international commitments and to protect the freedom and human rights of all Chinese citizens regardless of their ethnic background or religious belief. Representatives of democratic countries around the world should raise the important issue of human rights while meeting representatives of the Chinese government. When participating at the European Parliament’s delegation to China in November last year, I personally addressed the representatives in the National People’s Congress of China with the following words:

“I spent a bigger part of my life living under a totalitarian regime that imprisoned and tortured people for their opposite opinions, which resulted in intellectual and economic destruction of the country. Nowadays, people in my country live in freedom and prosperity. Europeans will never give up their fight for the right of every human being to live a life in dignity and freedom. Therefore we will aim on including the human rights clause into the EU-China agreement on the strategic partnership.”

Today practitioners of Falun Gong are standing together with the citizens of China, calling on the communist regime to end its oppressive ways. I esteem your efforts and wish you to persist in continuing your fight toward freedom!

Sincerely,

Zuzana Roithova

Letter from Member of the European Parliament Ana Gomes

European Parliament

Ana Gomes

Brussels, 19th of July 2011

Dear Falun Gong practitioners,

Given the proximity of the 20th anniversary of the Falun Gong movement, I wish to convey my recognition and encouragement to all the practitioners of the Falun Gong in China who have stood up and continue to stand up against the crackdown and harassment perpetrated by the Chinese authorities.

I am a great admirer of the Chinese people and its millenary civilization and culture. I also admire the last decades of economic progress that China has known, liberating thousands of millions of human beings from misery. I believe that the Falun Gong movement has inherited its strength from the long tradition of the Chinese people’s resistance to oppression and injustice.

Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights protects the freedom of thought, conscience and religion. The People’s Republic of China, as a Member of the UN Security Council, has special obligations to respect human rights under the United Nations Charter. Unfortunately though, the persecution against Falun Gong practitioners is an example of the Chinese undemocratic regime and its poor human rights record. The Falun Gong movement in any democratic society is recognized as a legitimate one, a movement which lays its right to exist on the freedom of thought, practice and assembly, one that does not propagate hate, violence or instability. It is, therefore, with great concern that I have heard of the continuous attempts of suppression of the Falun Gong in China, through violent repression – killings, torture, and imprisonment – as a way of curbing the Falun Gong’s independence, popularity and ethical values.

I stand in support for the Falun Gong followers’ struggle to survive and fight for their basic human rights and I admire the courage of all those who, since 1999, have complained, sued, demonstrated and spoken out against the repression, despite the terrible repercussions of these actions on their lives.

As a Member of the European Parliament, I intend to keep following the situation of the Falun Gong practitioners in China and will keep asking the High Representative/Vice-President of the Commission Catherine Ashton to raise the rights of the Falun Gong followers in the EU political dialogue with China.

I will keep urging my colleagues and other European political actors to stand on your side and support all those in China who, like the Falun Gong followers, continue to fight for their basic human rights and freedoms.

Best regards,

Ana Gomes

Senator Mark Udall of Colorado

Senator Mark Udall of Colorado stated in his letter, “I remain a strong supporter of your efforts to speak for those Falun Gong practitioners in China being persecuted for their beliefs. As you are well aware, reports indicate that many of those in Chinese ‘re-education’ camps are Falun Gong practitioners sentenced to these camps based solely on the basis of their beliefs. There are also troubling allegations of Falun Gong practitioners subjected to physical and psychiatric abuse.”

He continued, “China’s persecution of Falun Gong practitioners has intensified since the campaign against Falun Gong began in 1999, including an increase in censorship of Falun Gong sympathetic websites, television stations, and other forms of media. This increased stifling of information about Falun Gong obscures the extent of the persecution of Falun Gong followers, a troubling prospect for those seeking truth and freedom. Your wish and that of the thousands of Falun Gong practitioners in China and around the world is merely the opportunity to peacefully practice your beliefs without fear of persecution, torture or imprisonment. The ability to live in accordance with your beliefs, both in China and in countries around the world, should not be obstructed.

“I know my colleagues in the Senate join me in supporting Falun Gong and its practitioners’ quest for religious freedom and tolerance. Thanks to all of you for your relentless commitment to freedom of expression in China.”

Senator Barbara Mikulski of Maryland

Senator Barbara Mikulski of Maryland stated in her letter that she would continue fighting to protect human rights around the world. She wrote, “The issue of human rights is a basic one and cannot be compromised. We must not tolerate the intimidation, detention, and prosecution of individuals because of their religious, political, or philosophical beliefs.

“China’s record on human rights issues has been of particular concern to me. I believe that China’s record is intolerable, and much needs to be accomplished there before we can claim progress. We must continue our dialogue with China and urge them to treat people in their country with fairness and dignity.

“Knowing of your concerns will be helpful to me as the Senate seeks ways to influence China to improve its human rights record and to be a better world citizen. You can be sure that I will continue to fight for basic human rights all over the world,” concluded Senator Mikulski in her letter.

Senator Kirsten E. Gillibrand of New York

Senator Kirsten E. Gillibrand of New York said she was pleased to have the opportunity to send greetings to everyone attending the Falun Dafa Human Rights Rally. She was especially pleased to add her voice to everyone else’s in recognizing Mr. Li Hongzhi, the founder of Falun Gong.

She wrote, “Since its inception, Falun Dafa has been the inspiration for the cultivation of peace. Its teachings are of truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance. Falun Dafa aspires to enable its practitioners to ascend spiritually through moral rectitude and the practice of the five exercises–four standing and one seated meditation. It is my hope that your efforts and the collective efforts of all Falun Dafa supporters will inspire others to take part in actions large and small, public and private, to build stronger communities and a better New York.”

Rep. Eliot Engel (D-New York)

Rep. Eliot Engel of New York wrote, “Since the summer of 1999, the Chinese government has engaged in policies of persecution, intimidation, imprisonment, torture, and even death, all in a concerted effort to break the back of the Falun Gong movement. Today, I recognize your strength and courage in standing up to these horrific acts and commend your persistence. Accordingly, I call on the Chinese government to uphold its responsibility to protect the freedom of belief and the freedom of speech, essential freedoms that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights affords all human beings.”

He continued, “In only the first half of this year, there have been no less than 35 reported deaths of Falun Gong practitioners in China. Any physical and psychological torture used against practitioners in custody is appalling and condemnable. It must end.”

“Since the persecution began a dozen years ago, Falun Gong practitioners have responded to state-sanctioned violence using entirely peaceful means. Inspired by a belief in the power of truth to enliven people’s consciences and drive out hatred and violence, they have sought to educate Chinese citizens on the true nature of their spiritual practice, the persecution against it, and the wider history of the Communist Party of China.

“I congratulate the supporters of Falun Gong for staying true to your pacifistic ideals in the face of such extreme adversity. I admire your courage in assembling here today at the United States Capitol and rising in peaceful unison to be heard. I thank you for continuing to ensure the United States and the rest of the world are aware of your plight. And finally, I hope that this coming year is the year we see significant progress and the reversal of some of these most disturbing actions on the part of the Chinese government.”

Rep. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland

Rep. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland stated in his letter, “I share the Obama Administration’s support for religious freedom in China. I also share its deep concerns about the Chinese government’s harsh treatment of individuals who practice Falun Gong. The US continues to raise its concerns with the Chinese government about religious persecution in China of Falun Gong practitioners and others and to urge the Chinese government to be more accountable to its citizens and to treat all its people in accordance with its constitution and with universal human rights standards.”

“I join you in urging the government of China to uphold and respect the human and religious rights of its people and I urge the Chinese government to end its persecution of Falun Gong.”

Rep. Robert Andrew of New Jersey

Congressman Rob Andrew wrote, “Twelve years ago, the Chinese government made the decision to persecute the millions of Falun Gong adherents in China, because it viewed the practice of this religion as threatening to its communist ideology. China’s lack of religious freedoms had led to its designation as a ‘Country of Particular Concern’ by the U.S. Secretary of State for over a decade, as China’s persecution of its own citizens is not limited to one religious or spiritual group.”

He continued, “I support this rally to raise awareness of the twelfth year of persecution of Falun Gong practitioners. This spiritual discipline focuses on gentle meditation and traditional Chinese exercises combined with a philosophy grounded in truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance. Before the government began its persecution, it was estimated that there were 70 million Falun Gong adherents in China; however, the state has killed thousands through torture and police abuse, while hundreds of thousands have been imprisoned, often in labor camps. Some imprisoned Falun Gong adherents have been physically and psychologically coerced into renouncing their belief system. Even those who have not lost their freedom or their lives face discrimination and harassment for their beliefs. Attorneys who represent Falun Gong practitioners can be disbarred or arrested, and even family members of practitioners who do not practice Falun Gong themselves have been arrested.”

“It is shocking that religious persecution on such a wide scale still exists in this day and age, so the importance of this rally cannot be overlooked. I join the adherents of Falun Gong in renouncing China’s mistreatment of their fellow believers, and urge China to end its official and unofficial policies which have led to the torture, imprisonment, and killing of Falun Gong practitioners whose only crime is their deeply held religious belief,” concluded Rep. Robert Andrews

Rep. Zoe Lofgren of California

In her letter, Rep. Zoe Lofgren of California expressed her support for all who seek basic human rights and freedoms on the occasion marking twelve years since the Chinese Communist Party began the persecution of Falun Gong. She wrote, “Particularly as we watch the moving images of young people fighting for democracy in the Middle East, we are reminded of the repression that so many around the world face every day. I commend you for bringing attention to the persecution occurring in China, and for speaking out in favor of tolerance and democratic freedoms.”

Rep. Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin

Rep. Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin wrote, “As you all know, Falun Gong is a traditional Chinese spiritual discipline which consists of moral teachings for daily life, meditation, and exercise based upon the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance. According to the 2008 Annual Report of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, tens of millions of Chinese citizens practiced Falun Gong in the 1990s and adherents to the spiritual movement inside of China are estimated to still number in the hundreds of thousands despite the government’s ongoing crackdown.

“Since the 1990s, the Communist Party has grown its campaign to eradicate Falun Gong–banning books on Falun Gong, criminalizing its practice, and engaging in mass arrests of its practitioners. Falun Gong practitioners continue to be at particularly high risk of torture and ill-treatment in detention and constitute at least half of the 250, 000 officially recorded inmates in re-education through labor (RTL) camps.

“Today, I add my voice to support the Wisconsin Falun Dafa Association in calling for an end to the persecution of Falun Gong in China, and celebrate the Chinese citizens who are taking a principled and peaceful stand by rejecting the violence and inequity of Communist Party rule.”

Background

Falun Gong, also known as Falun Dafa, is a traditional Chinese spiritual discipline for mind and body. The practice involves slow, gentle movements and meditation. It is easy to learn, enjoyable to practice, and free of charge. Its principles are based on Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance. The practice was first introduced by Master Li Hongzhi in China in 1992 and quickly spread by word of mouth throughout China and then beyond. Its beneficial effects in uplifting an individual’s physical health, spiritual well-being, and moral character, not to mention its positive influence in the community and society as a whole, have been undeniable. In fact, Falun Gong is practiced by over 100 million people in 110 countries. The main works of Falun Gong are available in over 30 languages.

On July 20, 1999, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) launched a brutal persecution of Falun Gong. Since the start of the persecution, practitioners throughout the world have been speaking out about the truth of Falun Gong and exposing the CCP’s crimes in a tireless effort to end the persecution. Facts have proved that the persecution is not only targeted at Falun Gong practitioners’ belief in Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance, but is also an attempt to destroy everyone’s moral principles and spiritual values.

On July 14, 2011, practitioners from around the world once again gathered at the Capitol in Washington DC to continue their efforts to raise people’s awareness about the CCP’s brutal persecution of Falun Gong and call for its end. A number of Members of the U.S. Congress, NGOs, and representatives from Freedom House and Amnesty International came to express their support, saying that the U.S. government should lead the countries of the world in condemning the persecution.

Practitioners from around the world gather at the Capitol Hill, Washington DC to do the exercises on the morning of July 14, 2011, to kick off three days of activities to call for an end to the persecution

Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee: The persecution of Falun Gong must end

Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen

Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-Fla.) stated at the rally, “At least twenty-six practitioners have died due to abuse in custody since the beginning of the year. Several of these victims died after being held in ‘brainwashing centers’ where torture and application of psychotropic drugs were used to force them to renounce Falun Gong. These latest victims are added to the total recorded number of 3,434 Falun Gong practitioners who have died as a result of various forms of persecution since 1999. Additionally, human rights lawyers like Mr. Gao who have advocated for the rights of Falun Gong and other victims of Chinese repression continue to disappear or be imprisoned. These murders, kidnappings and other egregious human rights abuses should serve as an alarm bell to all persons of conscience throughout the world.”

She stressed, “the persecution of Falun Gong must end, and it must end now!”

Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen stated, “We may have declared victory over world communism prematurely. The iron curtain may be gone, but the bamboo curtain remains. And an unreformed Communist China threatens to dominate not only the Asian region but also other portions of the world beyond.”

Rep. Ros-Lehtinen asked the President and Vice President to speak out for human rights in China, and speak out against the repression of Falun Gong. “America must stand with Falun Gong and all the repressed. This is our Constitutional responsibility; this is our national creed!”

Chairman of the House Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee: Falun Gong represents traditional Chinese values

Congressman Dana Rohrabacher (R-Calif.), chairman of the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee of the House Foreign Affairs Committee

Rep. Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA) also spoke at the rally. He said that Falun Gong practitioners have drawn the attention of the American people to the brutal repression in China, and to the fact that thousands upon thousands of human beings are being murdered, taken away from their families and thrown into jails and to labor camps, and that these things are carried out with the direction of the leadership of the communist party that controls the government of China. “This fact is so important for Americans to understand. If we allow an evil force like that to continue without being challenged, that evil force will some day affect us here,” he said.

Rep. Rohrabacher said, “We, as human beings, must stand together. The good people of this world need to stand together against the type of tyranny, injustice, and the human suffering that has been brought by this dictatorial regime in China.”

Rep. Rohrabacher continued, “Falun Gong represents a movement in China that reflects the traditional values of the people, and the government in China reflects tyranny and injustice and a philosophy that was brought in from Europe. It is about time the people of China direct their own future.”

Falun Gong practitioners then presented an award to Rep. Dana Rohrabacher for his long term support for human rights in China.

Chairman of Human Rights Committee of the House of Representatives introduces a bill denying entry to Chinese officials who have committed human rights abuses

Rep. Chris Smith

Rep. Chris Smith said that the U.S. President, both parties, and both the Senate and the House of Representatives need to speak out loudly, clearly and persistently for Falun Gong, Christians, Tibetan Buddhists and all other people of faith who have been barbarically persecuted.

He said, “I commit, as chairman of the Human Rights Committee of the House of Representatives, to continue to hold hearings, to promote resolutions, and intend to hold the Chinese government to account.”

Rep. Smith introduced a bill just recently that would deny visas to any Chinese officials engaged in human rights abuses, denying their opportunity to come to the United States.

He concluded, “I know you believe a better day is coming, but it will come sooner rather than later, if we do our part in the congress to speak out, with a clear voice, on behalf of Falun Gong.”

Rep. Sam Farr (CA): People who practice Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance should be honored

Rep. Sam Farr (CA)

Rep. Sam Farr (CA) said that he has paid attention to the persecution that Falun Gong practitioners are experiencing in China. He said, the building [Capitol Hill] behind you [practitioners sitting in the sun] is a symbol to the world of human rights protection.

He said, “The three basic principles of Falun Gong, Truthfulness, Compassion and Tolerance, are principles of any free world, any free country, and the principles which we as lawmakers try to hold every day as our constitution gives those rights to our citizenry.”

“Human rights violations anywhere should be a cause for concern everywhere for everyone. So it’s very important that all of you are gathered here to make your voices heard.”

He said, “Today I hope that your presence here in the United State Capital will be a reminder to the world, that those who speak truthfulness, those who show compassion, and those understand tolerance, are to be honored, not persecuted.”

Rep. Gus Bilirakis: The persecution of Falun Gong is unacceptable in the civilized world

Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R - FL)

Rep. Gus Bilirakis stated, “Sadly, the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners and anyone associated with them still continues. Since 1999, 6,000 Falun Gong practitioners have been sentenced to prison, over 100,000 were sentenced to ‘re-education through labor camps’, and at least 3,000 have died while in police custody.”

He said, “You are a testament that the millions of victims will not be forgotten. Egregious injustices, such as those suffered by the Falun Gong practitioners and others targeted by the Chinese Communist Party, are unacceptable in a civilized world and must end today.”

“I stand with you and share your principles of truthfulness, compassion and forbearance.”

Deputy Director of Policy and Research of the The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom: “The persecution of Falun Gong is a shame in Chinese history”

Dr. Scott Flipse, deputy director of Policy and Research for the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom stated in his speech, “We are talking about one of the great shames of the last decade–the persecution, the systematic eradication by the Chinese Communist Party, of Falun Gong. At the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, we have worked for the last ten years, raising publicity about Falun Gong issues in our annual reports with members of congress, and with members of administrations, and also with Chinese officials from both China and here. We will continue to do so, I can promise you that, but it is not enough.”

Dr. Flipse asked, “What kind of a country murders, tortures, imprisons peaceful individuals seeking enlightenment in meditation and better health?”

He said, “I think when history is written, that the systematic torture and eradication of Falun Gong will be seen as a shame in Chinese history. That’s the future. What we do right now is to end that shame in the moment. I think we need to continue to ask our administration to speak publicly, and unashamedly about human rights, and religious freedom and persecution of Falun Gong.”

He thinks that human rights issues should be the top priority in U.S. and China relations. It should be addressed in various settings. Falun Gong issues should be publicly addressed.

NGO: Join efforts to ensure Falun Gong practitioners obtain their freedom of belief

T. Kumar from Amnesty International

Mr. T. Kumar from Amnesty International, advocacy director for the Asia-Pacific region, said that the human rights of Falun Gong in China are not to be forgotten by the international community. The Amnesty has documented numerous abuses against the Falun Gong practitioners in China. Falun Gong practitioners have been sent to labor camps, and even tortured to death. Years have passed, but no improvements have been seen. He would like to join the efforts to ensure that Falun Gong practitioners can practice their beliefs freely in China.

He also urged the Obama administration to raise human rights issues with Chinese authorities, especially Falun Gong issues.

Dr. Sue Gunawardena-Vaughn, Senior Program Manager of Freedom House said, “As the 12th anniversary of the Communist Party’s launching of a massive crackdown on the Falun Gong spiritual group approaches on July 20, Freedom House remains deeply concerned about the ongoing human rights abuses committed against Falun Gong practitioners, their families, and increasingly, their lawyers.

“Over the past twelve years, Falun Gong practitioners and their families have suffered greatly at the hands of the Communist Party, simply for exercising their fundamental rights to freedom of belief and peaceful expression of their views.”

Dr. Vaughn called upon the CCP to immediately stop the persecution of Falun Gong, and also asked the U.S. government to take necessary steps to engage with the Chinese government, to raise human rights issues at every meeting that they have, at every high-level dialogue, and every conference they have with the Chinese government.

Michael J. Horowitz, director of Hudson Institute’s Project for Civil Justice Reform and Project for International Religious Liberty; Faith McDonnell, director of Religious Liberty Programs at the Institute on Religion and Democracy;William Murray, Chairman of the Religious Freedom Coalition, and Dr. Clark Lobenstine, theExecutive Director of the InterFaith Conference of Metropolitan Washington, and other guest speakers also expressed their support for Falun Gong and condemned the CCP’s persecution.

We should let more people learn about the persecution and work together to end it

Many tourists, including Chinese tourists to Capitol Hill listened to the speeches at the rally. One said, “I did not know about Falun Gong until today. The CCP’s persecution of Falun Gong is incredible and horrible. I don’t know why the Chinese communist regime persecutes Falun Gong. I think there are no grounds.” When he learned that the CCP agents harvest organs from living Falun Gong practitioners, he said, “The persecution must be stopped. I’ll go back and get on your website to see what I can do for you. I want to learn more about Falun Gong.”

A group of student interns at the White House passed by the rally, and listened to the speeches carefully. One of them said, “Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance does no harm to anybody’ on the contrary, it would be great if everybody could follow those principles. The CCP doesn’t recognize these values, but persecutes those who believe in them. This is certainly not right. The persecution must end.”