February 12, 2002
The Chinese authorities have expelled two western supporters of the outlawed spiritual movement, Falun Gong.
A Chinese foreign ministry official said the two men had already left the country, but declined to give details of how or when they left China.
The two men, a Canadian, Jason Loftus, and an American, Levi Browde, were detained on Monday after unfurling a banner in Tiananmen Square in central Beijing.
The banner said an incident last year when five alleged members set light to themselves in the square was stage-managed by the authorities to smear the group.
"The self-immolations were a fraud. Falun Gong is good," the banner read.
[...]
Its followers say Falun Gong - also known as Falun Dafa - is a peaceful, law-abiding group, following a philosophy and regime of exercises which lead to spiritual enlightenment and improve health.
It denies any involvement in the incident in Tiananmen Square a year ago in which two people, including a 12-year-old girl, died.
'Stirring up trouble'
The deportations took place as China prepares for a visit next week by US President George Bush, whose administration has criticised China over its suppression of religious freedom.
An official at China's foreign ministry said the protest by Mr Loftus and Mr Browde was aimed at "stirring up trouble".
Witnesses to Monday's arrest said Mr Loftus, 22, struggled and shouted "Falun Gong is good" as he was wrestled into a police van. Mr Browde, 29, was led peacefully on board shortly afterward, witnesses said.
Last November China expelled 35 foreign followers of the Falun Gong, also for holding a protest in Tiananmen Square.
The UK-based Falun Dafa Information Centre says at least 358 people have died in prisons and labour camps since the group was banned.
Falun Gong says its teachings forbid all forms of killing, including suicide.
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http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/world/asia-pacific/newsid_1816000/1816383.stm
Category: Falun Dafa in the Media
