Radio Free Asia: Falun Gong Practitioners in Different European Countries Appeal for a Thorough Investigation of the Shooting Incident in South Africa

Falun Gong practitioners in Germany and other European countries are holding activities at South African Embassies all over Europe, to appeal for a thorough investigation into the shooting of a Falun Gong practitioner, which took place on June the 28th, and also to expose the terrorism of Jiang’s faction in the Chinese Government. The following news is compiled from an interview with Falun Gong practitioners by Tian Yi, reporter for Radio Free Asia.

After the shooting incident on June the 28th in South Africa, Falun Gong practitioners in Germany and other European countries started to appeal to draw attention to the matter, with protests at Chinese embassies and consulates in countries all over Europe. Falun Gong practitioners in Germany and other European countries have now extended the protests and appeals to South African Embassies as well. Zheng Zhihong, a law scholar from Zhejiang University China and now a resident in Berlin, spoke to reporters.

“We came to the South African Embassy in Germany to appeal for a thorough investigation into the shooting in Pretoria as there are indications that the accident is linked to the visit of Chinese officials to South Africa and they are very likely behind the shooting.”

When asked why they held such a large-scale protest, Ms Zheng said, “In my opinion, the shooting that took place in South Africa on June the 28th, is a clear sign of terrorism, which will be extended to other countries if it is not exposed to the public and stopped immediately. As Jiang’s faction in the Chinese Government has realised that it can never eliminate Falun Gong in China through persecution, let alone the world, and all tricks have been exhausted for them, they are just so desperate that they resort to extremes like a cornered animal. However, Falun Gong practitioners will never be intimidated, and will continue to follow the universal principles of 'Truthfulness, Benevolence and Tolerance'. We will appeal for the concern of governments, the public and the world's media to help bring an end to the persecution which still rages in China.”

Asked about the activity at the South African Embassy, Ms Zheng said, “We displayed our banner and photos of practitioners tortured to death in China. We called for a thorough investigation of the shooting incident. We delivered a letter to the South African Embassy which we also faxed yesterday.”

According to Ms Zheng, Falun Gong practitioners in Germany have actively contacted local government, MPs and the media. Bearing in mind that the German Minister for Foreign Affairs will soon visit China, another appeal activity will shortly be held at the Foreign Affairs Office.