Falun Gong Rally Supported by MEPs, MPs, Professors and Councillors in the UK

The Falun Gong rally in London received great support from both the public and public officials in the UK. The purpose of the rally was to call for support for the Falun Gong practitioners being persecuted in China. Attending were over 200 Falun Gong practitioners, human rights supporters, and a Member of the House of Lords. Statements of support for the rally were sent by MEPs, MPs, Councillors, a professor and a NGO representative.

The press conference started at 3:30pm. Peter Jauhal, Chair of Falun Gong Association UK spoke publicly condemning China's state terrorism, calling for pressure from the British Government to eradicate such evil, and to release Zhao Ming as well as other imprisoned practitioners.

Next Lord Moyne spoke and showed his support to Falun Gong practitioners. He said that China would not be recognized as a civilised country if it did not stop the brutal persecution towards the Falun Gong practitioners. He also stated firmly that Falun Gong would not go away under the political suppression.

John Dee, Chair of Friends of Falun Gong Europe also spoke, condemning the persecution, and calling for help from all kind hearted people.

One MP sent her support letter. She stated that she supported the rights of the Falun Gong practitioners in China, and she felt upset towards the violation of such rights by the Chinese government. She said that people should be given the rights to choose their own beliefs and ways of living.

John Bowis MEP said in his statement, "The spirit of the Falun Gong practitioners.... would never be defeated by the suppression." Brian Coleman, Councillor of the Greater London Assembly pledged in his statement his “full and firm support to Falun Gong and its followers”. Last year Mr Coleman successfully passed the "Resolution supporting the human rights of the Falun Gong members" in the Greater London Assembly. Another member of the Greater London Assembly, also sent her support letter.

Professor David Cooper stated in his letter, "Falun Gong has no organisation or religious elements, nor does it rely on any other organisations. It has no political agenda, and it will not threaten China's politics. No matter which angle one takes, Falun Gong is not a religion, ...... nobody was forced to become a member, and no pressure will apply to those who wish to leave either."

Journalists from three UK media organizations and one from the US recorded the activities and conducted interviews. One of the practitioners was interviewed by the Chinese section of the BBC World Service which was to broadcast the interview the following day to mainland China. The interviewer asked the practitioner whether the practitioners were trying to use the USA’s stand against terrorism to further the cause of the practitioners in China. The practitioner candidly replied, “Yes”. The interviewer said how could the two be compared. The practitioner explained that one was terrorism by a State against its own culture and the other is terrorism against a different culture. Both are terrorism.

Reported by UK practitioners
14th October 2001