USA: New York Practitioners Start a 5-Day Sit-in, Calling for the Release of Charles Li and Other Falun Gong Practitioners Being Detained in China

To make the public more aware of the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners in China, and to appeal for the urgent rescue of American citizen Charles Li, who was unlawfully sentenced by the Chinese government, Falun Gong practitioners in New York City started a 5-day around the clock sit-in. It is being held in downtown Manhattan, in front of the office building of New York Senator, the former First Lady Hilary Clinton.

At 10 a.m. on April 2, Falun Gong practitioners gathered outside Senator Clinton's office building and held a press conference. One practitioner pointed out in his speech that this sit-in was to raise awareness among the American public regarding the illegal three-year sentence given to Charles Li in China. He called upon people everywhere to help rescue Charles and bring him home as soon as possible. He also appealed for the rescue of Falun Gong practitioners' family members being detained in China.

During the press conference, four practitioners visited Senator Clinton's office. The practitioners revealed the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners over the past four years and the practitioners' efforts to use peaceful means to carry on their practice and belief. Staff members from Senator Clinton's office expressed their concern for this issue and that they will work together with California senators to rescue Charles Li.

Chinese and western media came to cover this event. They also interviewed family members of the persecuted Falun Gong practitioners. Quite a few passersby came to ask for information and signed the petition to rescue Charles Li. Many of them expressed their surprise and anger upon learning the facts of persecution.