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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