(Clearwisdom.net) Boston -- On January 13 and 14, Boston Falun Gong practitioners held a series of activities, including a candlelight vigil, to call upon the public to help stop the killing of Falun Gong practitioners in China. Since November 2002, reports of 43 Falun Gong practitioners being tortured to death have come to light and been verified outside of China. The deaths have continued to escalate despite some Falun Gong practitioners and their family members filing a lawsuit in US federal district court against Jiang Zemin, charging the dictator with the crime of genocide.
On January 13, Boston practitioners went to Boston Park to practice Falun Gong exercises despite the recent cold temperatures. They displayed a banner that read, "Bring Charges Against Jiang Zemin for Committing Genocide". They urgently called for an end to the escalation in deaths of Falun Gong practitioners in China. After the group exercise on the morning of January 13, practitioners went to Boston's Chinatown to hold a candlelight vigil. Many practitioners hurried to attend the activities after finishing work.
When reporters asked about the purpose of this activity, a practitioner, Ms. Wang said, "In support of our fellow practitioners throughout the world, we are holding a three-day activity to expose the Jiang regime's escalating persecution of Falun Gong." "Today, we would like to deliver two important messages: one is to stop Jiang's political scoundrel group from committing acts of genocide against Falun Gong practitioners and another is to call on upon people from around the world who love peace, to join us to stop this persecution."
Another practitioner, Mr. Wang said, "Filing a lawsuit against Jiang Zemin is only the first step to investigate the prime criminal responsible for persecuting Falun Gong practitioners. We will carry out a thorough and full-scale investigation of all individuals, organizations and groups including the media who are involved in or have collaborated in persecuting Falun Gong." A passer-by also expressed his opinion regarding the Falun Gong practitioners' appeal, "I think Jiang should be accused, and he should be put on trial."
On the evening of January 14, Boston practitioners went to Brattle Plaza close to Harvard University to hold a press conference and a candlelight vigil. At the press conference, practitioners explained the facts regarding the escalating persecution against Falun Gong practitioners in China since last November. They also reviewed the persecution which practitioners have encountered since April 25, 1999, and practitioners' perserverance in a peaceful opposition to uphold their belief. In the end, they called upon all kind-hearted people throughout the world to work together with Falun Gong practitioners to stop this vicious persecution.
In spite of the cold, practitioners' silent appeal moved many kind-hearted people. A great number of Americans and Chinese people especially stopped to look at the display boards that were on view. A practitioner's husband who does not practice Falun Gong also joined the appeal and unfurled a banner in the cold wind with other practitioners. As one western practitioner said, "As long as the persecution continues, we will stand against it under all conditions no matter whether in cold or hot weather."
Category: Rallies & Protests
