United Kingdom: Practitioners Hold a Press Conference on World Human Rights Day

December 10th was World Human Rights Day. In London, Falun Gong practitioners gathered opposite the Chinese Embassy to draw attention to the five-year campaign of persecution waged against fellow practitioners in China. At 1:15pm they held a press conference to pledge that those responsible for the abuse, torture and killing of countless men, women and children will be brought to justice.


Press Conference opposite the Chinese Embassy in London

Practitioners read statements sent by Brian Coleman, Chairman of the Greater London Assembly, Member of European Parliament Jill Evans and Glenda Jackson MP, amongst several others. Two Chinese organisations also sent statements of support. Glenda Jackson said that she wanted to "add her voice to those calling for the Chinese Government to acknowledge the importance of human rights." Practitioners also read accounts of the persecution suffered by their family members and by themselves personally.

Lord Thurlow talked about the British initiative to bring Jiang Zemin and other Chinese officials to justice for crimes of torture, genocide and crimes against humanity. After making his statement, he delivered a petition letter to the receptionist of the Chinese Embassy on behalf of the UK Falun Dafa Association. It was the first time that a practitioner has been allowed into the Embassy during a press conference to deliver a letter in person.


Statement made on behalf of Brian Coleman, Chairman of the GLA	Lord Thurlow makes his statement	Lord Thurlow delivers a letter to the Chinese Ambassador

After the press conference, practitioners walked in procession to Chinatown. They carried banners and distributed leaflets to raise awareness of the persecution. Although the procession was relatively small, it drew a lot of attention and interest from the public.