Australia: Bringing the Plight of Mr. Liu Chengjun to the Public's Attention in Brisbane

On Saturday, 1 November 2003, Falun Gong practitioners from around southeast Queensland held activities to inform the public of the severe situation Mr. Liu Chengjun faces after being nearly tortured to death at Jilin Prison and the resultant hunger strike by up to 100 other Falun Gong practitioners serving terms at Jilin Prison. It must be remembered that these practitioners have done nothing wrong or illegal -- they have been given long-term prison sentences simply for practising Falun Gong and living by the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion and Tolerance.

During November, practitioners have permission to use King George Square in front of Brisbane's Town Hall every Saturday. We thus took this opportunity to hand out flyers about Mr. Liu's situation and the situation of other practitioners at Jilin Prison. Information tables were set up along with many photos, poster boards and banners telling of the persecution of Falun Gong in China. We also collected many signatures on a petition asking the Australian Government to speak out about the family members of Australian relatives that are still being held in labour camps and whose lives are in jeopardy.

Several Chinese practitioners held a symbolic trial of former Chinese leader Jiang Zemin to let the visiting Chinese tourists know of Jiang's crimes against Falun Gong and that many lawsuits around the world have already been filed charging Jiang with genocide and crimes against humanity. Many Mainland Chinese tourists come to King George Square to see Town Hall and this day saw numerous groups come through. Although some are still deluded by the propaganda, more and more realise the truth and take handouts or say Falun Gong Hao (Falun Gong is good).

There were also many posters and pictures about the practise of Falun Gong around the world and practitioners did exercise demos all morning. This attracted large numbers of people and the Mainland Chinese tourists took photos and movies. A number of Westerners enquired about the practise and the persecution and some learnt the exercises on the spot, while others queried where the practise sites were so they could learn later.

From 6pm until 8:15pm, practitioners held a candlelight vigil at the square, as well. Many poster boards, pictures and wreaths with photos of practitioners that have been persecuted to death were laid out on the ground. Banners were hung from a 6x3 meter gazebo and several practitioners handed out a large number of flyers about Mr. Liu's plight. Many signatures were again collected for our petition.

About 50 practitioners took part in the candlelight vigil and the feeling on the square was particularly peaceful and powerful this evening. Righteous Thoughts were sent every half hour and the field was strong and focused. Large numbers of people were drawn by the energy and peacefulness and showed great concern for the situation Falun Gong practitioners face in China. No one can understand how such a peaceful practise and such good people can suffer such brutal persecution in China.