World News
Western diplomats involved in human-rights talks with China say that a couple
of years ago indications of possible reform were somewhat more encouraging.
The Chinese have now gone quiet on reform, says one envoy. One reason, he
suggests, is the campaign against Falun Gong, which has resulted in thousands
of its followers being sent to RTL camps since 1999.
Members of the European Parliament expressed concern over pending legislation in Hong Kong that could affect fundamental freedoms.
NEW YORK(Falun Dafa Information Center) — The people of Hong Kong should not be victimized by the tyranny of Jiang Zemin.
The persecution of the Falun Gong practitioners and general respect for human rights has been debated and MEPs have used their position to highlight the situation and apply pressure on the Commission and Council for action.
A member of the European Parliament, Mr Roger Helmer, raised a parliamentary question to the European Commission on 20 November 2002, entitled “Persecution of Falun Gong practitioners”.
Audiences were shocked and dismayed by the stark contrast between the good of Dafa and the evil of the persecution. When they heard about the open letter to the Italian President being drafted by the Falun Gong practitioners, they offered round after round of applause showing their approval and support.
BEIJING, Nov 30 (AFP) – Amnesty International on Saturday issued
an appeal on behalf of a Japanese-based follower of the Falun Gong
spiritual group detained in China, warning she was seriously ill and
could have been tortured.
Members
of the Falun Gong spiritual movement, banned in July 1999 as a ‘heretical
organization’, have used the Internet and e-mail to circulate information
about repression against the group. Some have been arrested as a result. The
Chinese authorities have now shut down the group’s websites and blocked
overseas websites. At least 14 Falun Gong practitioners have been detained
and imprisoned for Internet-related offences, several have died in custody
reportedly as a result of torture.
“Look. People who practise Falun Gong look so energetic, not so lethargic like you.” The other said with a laugh, “Everyone should follow, ‘Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance.’ If everyone does so, the society would be much better.”
Associates of Attacker Offer $15,000 Bribe to Drop the Case,
Attacker’s Accomplice Has Ties to Chinese Consulate in Chicago
