(Clearwisdom.net June 9, 2003) On June 5, the 9th day of US Falun Gong practitioner Charles Li's hunger strike in a Chinese prison, several dozen Falun Gong practitioners from the Philadelphia area gathered in front of Philadelphia City Hall to hold a candlelight vigil calling upon the US government and people to rescue Charles Li and put an end to the brutal persecution of good people that follow the principle of Truth, Compassion and Tolerance.
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| Press conference | Candlelight vigil | Delaware County News reporter interviewing Dr. Yang Jingduan |
In China, over 100 million people practice Falun Gong, and the families of these 100 million Falun Gong practitioners are also persecuted. Using his sister Yang Jingfang as an example of someone who was arrested several times because she wanted to be a good person by following the principle of Truth, Compassion and Tolerance, Dr. Yang Jingduan told the audience about the brutal persecution against Falun Gong practitioners in the last 4 years which has resulted in over 700 deaths.
Mr. Yu , a civil engineer from northern Philadelphia, attended the candlelight vigil and said, "Everyone in the world should learn the truth of Falun Gong. When we all send out our righteous voice, the persecution won't last long. I hope the Chinese people will have freedom of speech and belief. If the Chinese government follows the law, only then will the country will be truly prosperous and have a happy future."
When asked what he though about "Bring Jiang to Justice" on the banner, Mr. Yu said, "It is very significant. Everyone is equal before the law. Jiang Zemin persecuted Falun Gong and committed the crime of genocide. It is not only not permitted by heavenly principles, but he should also be punished by the law. The lawsuit is against Jiang, not against the Chinese government. Falun Gong practitioners' peaceful protest by following the law and truth is a first in Chinese history. It will produce a long-lasting effect in China's future."
A Delaware County News reporter expressed great interest after receiving practitioner's email and phone calls and came to the site to interview Falun Gong practitioners. He talked to practitioners for quite a long time.
We suggest that practitioners in different areas clarify the truth through the media. For example, before each significant event takes place, such as the Houston trip, Charles Li appeal, lawsuit against Jiang, etc, practitioners should contact local media to let more people know about Falun Gong and the persecution in China through their own cultivation stories and their family members' suffering in China.
Category: Rallies & Protests
