UK Press Release: World Falun Dafa Day
LONDON (EFGIC) On Sunday 11th May, practitioners of Falun Gong will be celebrating the 11th Anniversary of World Falun Dafa Day outside the Tate Gallery on the Queen's Walk, near the Millennium Bridge.
It was on May 13th, 11 years ago, that Mr. Li Hongzhi first introduced the unique practice of Falun Dafa to the general public in China. In the short span of eleven years, Falun Dafa has changed the lives of more than a hundred million people not only in China but also increasingly in other parts of the world. Those who practise have discovered improved health of both mind and body, by living in accordance with the universal principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance.
In order to celebrate this joyous occasion, Falun Dafa practitioners from all over the world will be arranging special activities and festivities, including collecting Signatures for the Global Rescue Our Families Project. We hope that this will be a good opportunity for more people to learn about and experience Falun Dafa for themselves.
At the same time, we must not forget the practitioners who are continuing in their courageous efforts to regain the right to freedom of belief for all citizens of China. We invite all kind-hearted people from around the world to join us in expressing our support for those who have sacrificed so much for their beliefs.
Background
Falun Gong, also known as Falun Dafa, is a practice of meditation and exercises with teachings based on the universal principle of "Truthfulness-Compassion-Tolerance." It is a practice that was taught in private for thousands of years before being made public in 1992 by Mr. Li Hongzhi. Falun Gong has roots in traditional Chinese culture, but it is distinct and separate from other practices such as the religions of Buddhism and Taoism. Since its introduction in 1992, it quickly spread by word of mouth throughout China, and is now practiced in over 50 countries.
With government estimates of as many as 100 million practicing Falun Gong, China's then-president Jiang Zemin outlawed the peaceful practice in July 1999, fearful of anything touching the hearts and minds of more citizens than the Communist Party. Unable to crush the spirit of millions who had experienced improved health and positive life changes from Falun Gong, Jiang's regime has intensified its propaganda campaign to turn public opinion against the practice while quietly imprisoning, torturing and even murdering those who practice it.
The European Falun Gong Information Centre has verified details of 673 deaths since the persecution of Falun Gong in China began in 1999. Government officials inside China, however, report that the actual death toll is well over 1,600, while expert sources estimate that figure to be much higher. Hundreds of thousands have been detained, with more than 100,000 being sentenced to forced labour camps, typically without trial.
Source: http://www.clearharmony.net/articles/200305/12261.html