Falun Gong (Falun Dafa) is a practice of exercise and meditation that has brought inner peace and health to millions throughout the world. However, In July of 1999, the Chinese government launched a vicious campaign to eradicate this beneficial and non-political practice. 

Since the crackdown began 18 months ago, tens of thousands of ordinary citizens who practice Falun Gong have been arrested, tortured, jailed without trial, and over 100 practitioners have been killed as a result of torture in police custody. 

All over the world, people of goodwill and free nations have widely criticized China for this action, and have called upon the Chinese Government to cease all aggression against Falun Gong and release all the illegally imprisoned practitioners. Despite this universal show of resistance, however, China is now planning to escalate its campaign even further.

Frequently Asked Questions About Falun Gong

Q: Who practices Falun Gong, and how do they find it beneficial?
A: Falun Gong is practiced by people of all ages, cultures, and backgrounds in over 40 countries worldwide. Almost everyone who practices reports significantly improved health, reduced stress, and increased levels of energy.

Q: Who is Mr. Li Hongzhi?
A: Mr. Li Hongzhi introduced the practice of Falun Gong to the general public in China in 1992. He then taught the practice publicly for two years in China, after which the practice continued to grow primarily by word-of mouth. In keeping with Chinese tradition, Mr. Li is sometimes respectfully referred to as "Master" or "Teacher." He is not accorded special treatment, nor does he accept money or donations from students of Falun Gong. He has ensured that the practice be available to all people, and without any terms or conditions. Mr. Li has given occasional public lectures over the past few years in various countries, including Australia, Switzerland, Canada, and the USA.

Q: Is Falun Gong a religion; is it a sect? 
A: There has been some confusion about how to categorize Falun Gong, but this is easy to clarify. Falun Gong is neither a religion nor sect - it has no temples, no rituals, no clergy or priests, and no ranks. It never collects money from people, and there is no initiation or membership. Practitioners lead normal lives and participate actively in their communities. The practice is an individual choice and is centered on the improvement of one's self. As such, there are no obligations, and everyone is free to come and go as they choose.

Q: Why has the Chinese government persecuted Falun Gong practitioners?
A: Falun Gong has no political agenda or affiliation. However, the Chinese government has perceived Falun Gong as a threat, just as it has other groups that are popular or that involve principles not directly related to their Communist ideology. Starting in July, 1999, the Chinese government banned the practice of Falun Gong and started persecuting its estimated 70 million practitioners inside China. Since then tens of thousands of Falun Gong practitioners have been detained, and thousands have been beaten, forced from their jobs, homes, schools, and sent to labor camps without trial. In the past 18 months, more than 100 practitioners have died while in police custody. 

Q: How are Falun Gong practitioners responding to the Chinese government's
crackdown?
A: Falun Gong members have appealed to the Chinese government via the proper legal channels, but without response. Thousands continue to be arrested in China simply for asking to be allowed to practice in peace. Not a single practitioner has struck back or physically retaliated against police despite enduring beatings
and torture. This kind of conduct, in the face of such torment and injustice and exhibited on such a large scale, has spoken volumes to the world about the fundamentally peaceful and compassionate nature of Falun Gong. The international community and practitioners from all around the world have been calling for an open dialogue between Falun Gong and the Chinese government. Falun Gong has received support from many international organizations, including Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, as well as the governments of many nations.

Q: What can I do to help raise awareness about Falun Gong and the situation
in China?
A: You can help spread the word about Falun Gong and the situation in China amongst your friends and family and in your local community, or by writing letters to your government representatives. For more information on how to get involved, please visit the website: http://www. faluninfo.net or contact your local Falun Gong practice group. Your concern and support are always greatly appreciated.

Facts & Figures of the Crackdown

Over 50,000 practitioners have been arbitrarily detained.

At least 10,000 have been sent to labor camps without trial, for terms of up to 3 years.

150 have been sentenced to extended jail terms - some up to 18 years.

More than 600 have been illegally sent to mental hospitals, where they are given forced injections and subjected to inhumane treatment.

140 people have died while in police custody, or as a result of police torture. (see documentation)
 
 

You Can help Stop the Injusice

As the suppression continues, many more good people are in danger of abuse and death. We call for support from all kindhearted people in the world to help us to stop the brutal suppression of the peaceful practitioners in China. Your support can make a difference.

Click here to find out what YOU can do.

Join forces with world leaders and champions of human rights to stop this unthinkable brutality now! 

 


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