China's Abuse of Falun Gong Practitioners Worsening: Ros-Lehtinen

Ros-Lehtinen said at July 12 DC Rally --  “As many of you know, I have addressed this peaceful gathering of Falun Gong activists for several years now, yet sadly, things appear to have worsened for our ...

“The peaceful men and women of Falun Gong are among the largest group of prisoners of conscience in the world. These murders, kidnappings and other egregious human rights abuses serve as a reminder of the lengths and depths the cruel old men in Beijing will go to in order to retain their bloody grip on power.  Authorities have imprisoned anyone willing to speak out to defend victims of these heinous acts, including human rights lawyer Mr. Gao, who remains incarcerated at a remote facility and unable to regularly contact his family.

“The cowards in Beijing are so scared of Falun Gong’s tranquil teachings that their internet censors have blocked Chinese citizens from searching for it or even discussing it in web chats or via email.  This loathsome persecution of Falun Gong must stop and it must stop now!  It is essential that the people of China continue their struggle for democracy and human rights.  It is essential that friends and supporters of democracy and human rights continue to show their solidarity and support, by speaking out against these abuses and by embracing such courageous figures of conscience as the Dalai Lama.

“China’s rise as a global power has made people hesitant to criticize the regime, fearing economic repercussions.   President Obama must do what is right and not be timid in the face of Chinese bullying and threats.  It is up to the United States, as a symbol of liberty, to confront the immoral Communist leadership in Beijing and speak out for the human rights of the Chinese people.

“This means urging the old men in Beijing to stop repressing Falun Gong practitioners, Tibetans, Uyghurs, all other Chinese as well as North Korean refugees.  It means not allowing ownership of America’s debt to be synonymous with ownership of America’s values.  It is our responsibility to be that shining city on a hill, to be a beacon of freedom, liberty and hope for the entire world to see!

“America must stand with Falun Gong and all the repressed!  Beijing must release Falun Gong practitioners and other prisoners of conscience, immediately.  Set China free!”


More: Foreign Affairs Official Committee Blog

DC: End the 13-Year Persecution of Falun Gong in China, and Stop the Tyranny of the Chinese Communist Party

WASHINGTON--Thousands of Falun Gong practitioners and supporters are gathering in Washington, DC to mark the 13th anniversary of the beginning of what has become one of the worst human rights violations in the world.
Events are open to the public and media.

Event 1: Rally on Capitol Hill Thursday, July 12, 201212:00 p.m – 1:30 p.m. West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol
Speakers to include members of Congress, human rights groups, and more             
Event 2: Grand March Friday, July 13, 201211:30 a.m – 12:45 p.m. Thousands of Falun Gong supporters will march from John Marshall Park (501 Pennsylvania Avenue NW) to the Washington Monument to call for freedom for Falun Gong and an end to the persecution in China.
Event 3: Candlelight Vigil Friday, July 13, 20128:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Washington Monument

To commemorate those who have lost their lives and their freedom to the persecution in China, Falun Gong practitioners and supporters will hold a vigil to peacefully show their solidarity.

Background: Within seven years of its public introduction in 1992, Falun Gong spread by word of mouth to 100 million people in China, who experienced firsthand its health and spiritual benefits. Then, on July 20th, 1999, the Chinese Communist Party launched a campaign to eradicate Falun Gong through propaganda, mass imprisonment, torture, and other forms of coercive "reeducation" that have resulted in over 3,550 confirmed deaths. To this day, hundreds of thousands of Falun Gong practitioners are held extra-judicially in labor camps where physical and psychiatric torture is routinely used. Falun Gong practitioners have responded to the state-sanctioned violence using entirely peaceful means. For thirteen years they have sought to educate the public about the persecution. To this day, more than 110 million people have submitted statements to withdraw from the Chinese Communist Party, and its affiliated organizations, embracing hope for a free and peaceful future.

Falun Dafa Association of Washington, D.C.