FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- 11/4/2001
November 4 -- Thousands of Falun Gong practitioners and supporters will gather in front of Chinese Embassies and Consulates all around the world to condemn the recent escalation of the persecution taking place in the city of Changchun, in northeastern China.
The pattern of increased cases of brutality and torture has resulted in many new deaths in police custody. This campaign is personally directed by Jiang Zemin and Luo Gan, the head of the "610 Office," charged with annihilating Falun Gong and those who practice it. Methods employed often include severe physical and psychological torture, forced heavy labor, sleep deprivation, etc.
Changchun is the city where the practice of Falun Gong was first introduced to the general public. Analysts speculate that this is the reason for the recent escalation in the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners in that area. Local authorities are carrying out direct orders from the "610 Office" to give life sentences to any Falun Gong practitioners who refuse to renounce the practice in forced reeducation sessions.
Falun Gong does not seek any political ends, and has adhered strictly to its principle of non-violence and peaceful appeals throughout the more than two years of persecution in China. The press conference will unveil the details of recent cases of abuse and death in Changchun.
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Background
Falun Gong, (also called Falun Dafa) is an ancient form of Qigong, the practice of refining the body and mind through physical exercises and meditation. Since its introduction to the public in 1992, Falun Dafa has attracted tens of millions of people in more than 40 countries. Chinese President Jiang Zemin began the persecution of Falun Gong in July 1999, due to his fear of the large number of Falun Gong practitioners. To date, at least 305 people have been killed by torture and police brutality during the persecution. At least 100,000 have been sent to labor camps without trial. For more information, please visit www.faluninfo.net .