An Open Letter to Jiang Zemin

President Jiang.

October 1^st, the National Day of the People's Republic of China, should be a joyous occasion for all Chinese people. However, millions of Falun Gong practitioners in your country and around the world have nothing whatsoever to celebrate. On the contrary, they are being persecuted for simply wanting to become better people and refusing to renounce their spiritual beliefs.

Although Falun Gong adherents all live normal lives within society, one of the principle requirements for advancement is to let go of one's attachment to money, power and status. Consequently, Falun Dafa has absolutely no interest in the acquisition of political power. The essence of Master Li Hongzhi's teaching remains unchanged TRUTH, COMPASSION, FORBEARANCE.

From 1992 until July 1999 your government endorsed the activities of Falun Gong. Since nothing about the practice has changed there is surely no adequate justification for this reversal of policy.

It is impossible to believe that you are unaware of the untold suffering you are responsible for inflicting on millions of Chinese citizens, from newborn infants to the elderly. The arbitrary arrest and imprisonment of 35,000 people is in itself a violation of the United Nations Charter of Human Rights to which China is a signatory. But more than this, the forcible incarceration of practitioners in mental hospitals, injections with dangerous drugs and the horrendous torture which have resulted in 53 reported deaths are a stain on the whole of humanity. Impartial observers such as Amnesty International have verified these facts.

Most Australians will be disturbed to learn that the Chinese Consulate in Sydney has dared to extend this campaign of intimidation to our own shores. Pressure has been put on local councils to ban the use of public parks for Falun Gong practice; practitioners' property has been damaged, phones and e-mail tampered with, internet sites hacked and harassing phone calls made.

Chinese leaders have always been willing to recognize when policies were outmoded and needed changing for the good of the country. Chairman Mao met with President Nixon to create a new opening; Chairman Deng reformed the economic policies of yesteryear. These leaders were strong enough to admit past errors and change the agenda. Surely as leader of the most populous nation on Earth you have nothing to fear from initiating a process of peaceful dialogue with Falun Dafa.

President Jiang.

We appeal to you to order the immediate cessation of human rights abuses against Falun Dafa practitioners and their families, thereby seizing the opportunity to create a legacy that history will forever respect.

Australia Falun Dafa Practitioners

(The above letter appeared in newspapers in Australia this week)

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