Canadian Practitioners Call Upon Government Officials in All Countries to Show Concern about Freedom in Hong Kong

Dear Officials,

An urgent situation is unfolding in Hong Kong that will cause serious repercussions for the people of Hong Kong and the state of freedom and security in our global community.

On March 14, 2002, 16 Falun Gong practitioners, four Swiss and 12 Hong Kong citizens, gathered peacefully and orderly on the side walk outside of the Chinese Liaison Office in Hong Kong to appeal against the escalation of the illegal and vicious persecution of Falun Gong practitioners in China. Shortly after Hong Kong Police arrived, barricaded the entire sidewalk, and violently took the demonstrators away. They are now on trial.

The police action showed signs of influence from Chinese president Jiang Zemin and his internationally condemned campaign to "eliminate" Falun Gong.

The practitioners have been charged with "obstructing traffic" and "assaulting police." They could now face up to three years in prison. The fact this case made it to trial at all based on its merits shows the pressure the legal system is under from the President of China. Extensive video footage, photographs and eyewitness accounts show there was no obstruction caused by the small appeal, and that it was the police, numbering 50-60, who used excessive violence on elderly practitioners. It is absolutely clear that the police were the ones at fault and not the Falun Gong practitioners. What is more alarming are reports that the presiding Judge has shown bias towards the prosecution betraying Hong Kong's rule of law and democratic process. This trial is being called a "political prosecution" against Falun Gong practitioners.

The details of this development, including timeline, photos, video footage of the incident, are given in the following website: www.faluninfo.net/focus/hongkong.asp

This trial represents only one serious threat to the freedom of people worldwide.

Amnesty International, other human rights groups and governments worldwide have all stepped forward to help stop this terrible attack of innocent people in China. Right now the future of the Hong Kong people's justice, freedom and rights are all at serious risk. This trial represents only one of the efforts of Chinese President Jiang Zemin to export his vendetta of injustice, state terrorism and persecution against Falun Gong practitioners to other nations. Upon Jiang's visit to Iceland and Germany, these democratic nations were pressured into employing illicit blacklists to stop Falun Gong practitioners from entering the country. Hate propaganda and pressure continue to plague free nations where peaceful Falun Gong practitioners are well respected and active contributors to society. It must be made clear to the Chinese regime that exporting a persecution campaign against any people to any nation is intolerable.

The persecution of Falun Gong makes any nation less safe as the sovereignty of democratic countries are quietly but methodically attacked. The more we let this injustice and pressure spread in our world, the less safe the world's people will be. Upholding Falun Gong practitioners' right to pursue Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance internationally is protecting a bright future for the human race.

Please voice your concerns

A verdict in this trial is expected this coming Thursday, August 15. Any prompt voice, supporting the preservation of justice in Hong Kong, is critical. We ask that you speak out on the urgent matter of Falun Gong practitioners on trial in Hong Kong to ensure that their basic rights are protected and that the world's people are continually working towards a near end to the persecution of Falun Gong in China while upholding freedom and justice everywhere.

Sincerely yours,

Grace Wollensak Falun Dafa Association of Canada
Mr. Tung Chee Hwa
Office of the Executive Chief, Hong Kong SAR
5/F, Central Government Offices, Main Wing
Lower Albert Rd, Hong Kong
Phone: (852) 2878 3300
Fax: (852) 2509 0577
e-mail: [email protected]
Ms. Elsie Leung
Department of Justice
23 Floor, High Block
Queensway Government Offices
66 Queensway
Hong Kong
Phone: (852) 2867 2198
Fax: (852) 2877 2353
e-mail: [email protected]
Judiciary Administrator
High Court Building
38 Queensway
Hong Kong
Phone: (852) 2530 4411
Fax: (852) 2869 0640
e-mail: [email protected]
Hong Kong Police Force
e-mail: [email protected]

We, a group of Falun Gong practitioners living in Canada, are very concerned that Falun Gong practitioners have been arrested and forced to stand trial for their peaceful Hong Kong appeal against Jiang Zemin's "shoot on sight" order.

We are greatly disheartened to hear these charges. As you may know, Falun Gong practitioners have been suffering so much inside China because of Jiang Zemin's persecution. Hundreds have died as a result of police brutality and torture. Hundreds of thousands have been illegally arrested. There is no place for them to legally appeal in Mainland China. Hong Kong has historically been a land of great freedom and democracy, like Canada and many other countries. Hong Kong law guarantees people the freedom to appeal and protest.

Despite this, people appealing for Falun Gong in Hong Kong have been arrested and charged. We are shocked, as are people in many other countries around the world. We can clearly see that these charges result from heavy pressure from Jiang Zemin trying to extend his persecution of Falun Gong beyond China's borders. If his plot succeeds, it will not only be these practitioners, but all of the people of Hong Kong who will suffer the consequences of lost freedoms.

We hope the legal system in Hong Kong will not bow to the influence of Jiang's regime, and we appeal to you, professionals in the legal system, to closely watch this case and ensure that true justice is served.

Thank you for your consideration.