Please Help Rescue Practitioners Chengtao Lin, Xiaojie Zhang and Xiao Liu

From a Falun Gong website, I learned that two Chinese Falun Gong practitioners, Mr. Chengtao Lin and Mr. Xiao Liu, have been detained in a forced labour camp since September 2001. The brutal torture continues despite the mental trauma it has caused them. Mr. Lin's wife Xiaojie Zhang has been detained in another labour camp and their three-year-old daughter has lost the loving care of her parents. Reading this shocking and upsetting news, my heart sank.

While I enjoy a peaceful life and the freedom to practise Falun Gong, they are suffering in labour camps and have been deprived of their rights.

Who caused this tragedy? Who separated one happy family after another? Who made so many children lose their parents? Who put young people who believe in 'Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance' into prison? Who denied their rights as human beings? As a friend of these three people, I realised that I should not keep silent any more!

I got to know Chengtao Lin in early 1996. At that time he had completed a Master's degree and worked at the Beijing Union Medical College. In his spare time, he was a voluntary assistant at a Falun Gong practice site near his work unit. He always helped other people in many ways. His colleagues and fellow practitioners often commended Lin for his sincerity and sense of responsibility. Lin looked inward whenever conflicts took place and he was always tolerant of other people. He often shared his cultivation experience with me and helped me when I had difficulties. As an outstanding researcher, it was easy for Lin to go abroad to get a better-paid job. However, he chose to stay in the Union Medical College and completed his five-year-contract. He was willing to continue his contribution to the college, but this young scholar was forced to stop his work because he thought Falun Gong was good.

Lin's wife Xiaojie Zhang was an excellent music teacher in a middle school. She looked after a practice site in Beijing in her free time. She voluntarily taught a group of school children to practise Falun Gong and read the Falun Gong books. Xiaojie is a sincere person. She behaved according to 'Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance'. Comparing myself with her, I found many shortcomings in myself.

As for Mr. Xiao Liu, I had heard many favourable comments about him before we met. He was gentle, polite, warm and smart. He was dedicated to his work and cultivation of Falun Gong. His wisdom and humour were inspiring to us all.

Recalling my years of cultivation in China, I realise how valuable the past was. A group of young people strived forward side by side on the journey to 'Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance.' What a beautiful period of time we shared! How can I forget your smiles, encouragement and friendship? Can you hear my voice from the bottom of my heart? All kind-hearted people with our conscience let us make the right choice between right and wrong. Please stretch out your hand and lend your support.