Gothenburg, Sweden, June 13, 2001
Thousands of world citizens are coming to Sweden to have their voices heard during the meeting of the European Union Council here this week. Displaying Sweden's characteristic openness to all viewpoints, the Swedish Vice Prime Minister Lena Hjelm Wallén, representing Prime Minister G ran Persson, was receiving all visitors on Wednesday at the Nordstan shopping mall.
Practitioners had met Ms. Hjelm Wallén previously, so Falun Gong was already familiar to her. On Wednesday, two Falun Gong practitioners, representing several hundred practitioners in Gothenburg, delivered an open letter requesting action from the European Union Council during this period.
Also on Wednesday, practitioners held an Open House at the City Library. About 30 local residents attended sessions on health effects and general info on practicing Falun Gong. Local practitioners have planned to help more people gain an understanding of Dafa through the presence of hundreds of practitioners in the city this week -- people seem to be waiting to learn more.
The text of the letter delivered Wednesday:
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Nordic Falun Gong Association
S:t Pauligatan 21 (A)
416 60 Gothenburg
SWEDEN
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Mr. G ran Persson, Prime Minister
Sweden
Dear Mr. Persson,
Warm greetings to you during this important occasion of the European Council meeting in Sweden!
As you know, Falun Gong, a traditional Chinese practice of refining the mind and body, was declared illegal in China. Several countries and international humanitarian organizations have already shone the spotlight on China's abuses of Falun Gong.
The situation for Falun Gong practitioners in China is very grave and urgent. At the direction of its leadership, the government systematically and brutally violates their human rights -- until the point of death in at least 217 cases thus far.
This persecution campaign reaches beyond China's borders to touch even Europe. A postgraduate student at Dublin University's Trinity College, Mr. Zhao Ming, was sentenced to labor camp detention for two years during a visit to China, has suffered severe torture, and is still in custody. Friends and relatives fear for his life. Just this week another practitioner, Chi Yulian in Dalian City, died suddenly after being abducted from her home and detained by police
As a world leader, the European Union must not stand by and tolerate such gross violations. We urge you to guide Sweden and the EU Council, at this moment in history, to stand up for the human rights of tens of millions inside China.
Mr. Persson, at this time we request that you
Please listen to the growing number of European voices on this issue. More than 60,000 signatures were collected in just three weeks asking that the persecution be stopped.
We wish the meeting this weekend and the remainder of your term as Council president great success, and hope for further advancements in Sweden's and the EU's leadership in human rights worldwide.
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Sincerely,
Nordic Falun Gong Association
On behalf of Falun Gong Practitioners throughout Europe