Minister for Culture
Copenhagen
Denmark
September 13, 2002
Re: Falun Gong, EU-Asia Conference
We write to you with deep concern at the news that Falun Gong practitioners were prevented from performing at Asian Comments an art performance at the EU-Asia Conference. In particular, we note that this occurred under pressure from the Chinese regime. We strongly urge you and the government of Denmark to not acquiesce on such important human rights issues. Falun Gong is a peaceful spiritual practice that has been the subject of a most vociferous attack. We are shocked and dismayed that you would afford them such an opportunity to extend their persecution of dissidents at home to the country of Denmark. It is at times such as this that all nations and all government leaders have the duty to insist upon justice and truth in all matters of civil order. We expect no less from you.
During the past three years of persecution, many governments around the world have shown a great sense of justice, courage and ethical integrity in their requesting Beijing to stop the persecution of Falun Gong. However, through a variety of means, Jiang has pressured many governments into either condoning or remaining quiet about these atrocities, and in some cases even complying with his harassment and discrimination of Falun Gong practitioners. None of these are acceptable. This pressure, such as you yourself have been subject to, should never have occurred. However, even though the Chinese regime has insisted that you discriminate against Falun Gong practitioners, it is not fitting for you as a leader in a country that values democratic freedoms and human dignity to become their agent of the persecution in Denmark. It is not fitting to yield to the indignities he inflicts upon dissidents at home.
We sincerely hope that in your future dialogue with the Chinese regime that you will not acquiesce on the issues of justice and truth, and that you will not act on their behalf against Falun Gong practitioners. Falun Gong is a peaceful and compassionate group recognized around the world. We call upon you to provide leadership and a strong voice of justice for the many who are persecuted in silence.
Yours truly,
Joel Etienne David Tompkins
Co-Chairman Communications Director
Friends of Falun Gong
Background
Falun Gong is a traditional Chinese meditation practice for the cultivation of one's body and mind. It is centred on the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion and Tolerance. It is peaceful, non-political and free of charge, being taught by volunteers in over 50 countries in the world.
Falun Gong was so beneficial for individuals and society that more than 70 millions in China were practicing it by 1999. Because of this unprecedented popularity, the Chinese government felt that Falun Gong was a threat to the regime. The President of China banned the practice in July 1999, and personally ordered a comprehensive campaign of defamation and persecution. The number of verified deaths from torture has reached over 458; tens of thousands have been tortured while confined in labour camps, prisons, and psychiatric hospitals, and hundreds of thousands have been forced to attend brainwashing classes. Faced with brutal persecution, Falun Gong practitioners have consistently upheld the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance while mounting peaceful public appeals to end it.
Falun Gong has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for the third [consecutive] year. For more information about the practice, please visit www.falundafa.org.
Background on Friends of Falun Gong of Canada
Friends of Falun Gong Association of Canada is a Canadian based non-profit organization of individuals who actively support freedom of belief and basic human rights such as are being contravened currently in China. We have elected to make the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners the primary focus of our human rights concerns due to their continuing peaceful response worldwide. Their admirable commitment to non-violence and to the principles of their practice exemplifies the best things in human beings.
For more information about the ongoing efforts of Canadian Friends of Falun Gong, please visit http://dawn.thot.net/fofg/.
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