Australia: Third Directions Hearing Held in Falun Gong Practitioners' Lawsuit against Foreign Minister Downer

The Third Directions Hearing was held on September 13, 2005 at Canberra High Court regarding Australian Falun Gong practitioners' lawsuit against Foreign Minister Downer for abusing his power. Lawyers for both parties agreed to hold the next hearing on November 14th. Australian Senator and Shadow Minister for Sport and Recreation Kate Lundy sent a letter to support the Falun Gong practitioners' legal action.

Falun Gong practitioners display banners in front of Canberra High Court	A supporter appeals: "Mr. Downer, stop supporting the Chinese Communist regime!"

In her letter, the Senator for the Australian Capital Territory and Labour Party said, "As I know, Falun Gong practitioners' human rights appeal in front of the Chinese Embassy has been peaceful. I've learned that Foreign Minister Downer signed a document every month since 2002 to restrain [Falun Gong practitioners from using] banners and music and parking vehicles bearing words like Falun Gong near the Chinese Embassy, with the excuse that the presence of Falun Gong practitioners in front of the Chinese Embassy would affect the 'dignity' of the embassy." "I think this [Downer's action] does not conform to basic values of freedom of speech and freedom of protest in Australia." "I support Australian citizens' actions of challenging these documents [issued by Downer] to safeguard Australian basic values. I wish your efforts achieve success."

Spokesperson for Falun Gong Kay Rubacek stated that those who have been persisting in holding peaceful appeals in front of the CCP's embassy in Canberra all year long are mainly elderly Falun Gong practitioners.

Six Falun Gong practitioners who have been peacefully appealing in front the CCP's embassy. From left in front row: Zhang Yuqing (65 years old),Wang Shuru (60), Chang Suwen (71).The back row from right: Li Fuying (77), Zhao Junzhen (72) and Zhang Xuerong (76, father of plaintiff Zhang Cuiying)

Statements by appealing Falun Gong practitioners

Chang Suwen who is 71 years old said, "I sit here every day, I don't feel a bit tired, and I'm very happy. It is very difficult in China. My daughter-in-law was sentenced to two years in prison for distributing Falun Gong truth-clarifying materials, and is being detained in Tiantanghe Prison in Beijing. I was once detained in a prison in Lugou Bridge in Beijing for 27 days. I suffered a lot during the detention. The guards forced us to squat and lie on the ground. The situation is very harsh in China, I feel relaxed here."

Wang Shuru who is 60 years old said that she had been repeatedly subjected to persecution in China, such as being sent to forced labour camps, living a homeless life and being forced to endure brainwashing. She has been peacefully appealing in front of the embassy for over three years. She wanted to tell Chinese tourists: the CCP's propaganda and the persecution of Falun Gong are based on lies, and are intended to incite hatred against Falun Gong. She hoped tourists from Mainland China learn about the truth and will treat Falun Gong practitioners with kindness after returning home.

Zhang Fuying who is 77 years old said, "I have been here three to four years. My daughter has been detained in China for over three years. No matter how difficult the situation is, I keep coming here. Eight hours a day. I bring lunch with me and eat outside. I want to tell them not to persecute Falun Gong. Falun Gong is great."