June 18, 2001 Posted: 9:16 PM HKT (1316 GMT)

By CNN's Patricia Lai

HONG KONG, China - Representatives of the Falun Gong spiritual group are considering taking legal action against Hong Kong Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa after he described the group as "[Chinese government's slanderous term omitted]".

They say are looking at whether to mount a case against Tung for defamation, arguing the chief executive's speech had harmed their reputation.

Last Thursday Tung, in a speech to Hong Kong's Legislative Council, said the group was "without any doubt an [Chinese government's slanderous term omitted]".

[Tung's slanderous terms omitted]

Falun Gong representatives, who insist they only practice peaceful meditation, say the speech undermines the group's reputation. "His speech has damaged us," said Hong Kong Falun Gong spokeswoman Hui Cheung Yee-han.

"People are starting to be hostile to us. I heard in radio phone-in shows that callers are having a negative image on us," she said.

The group has not yet sought opinions from a legal professional.

Echoes of Beijing. In describing the group as an "[Chinese government's slanderous term omitted]" the Hong Kong chief executive is using the same terminology as the mainland Chinese leadership, which banned the group in 1999.

Tung's sharp words against the Falun Gong have fueled speculation the Special Administrative Region might clamp down on the spiritual movement, which is legal in Hong Kong under the territory's laws governing freedom of expression.

Human rights groups in Hong Kong have expressed fears that the passing of a law against xx in France last May would provide the government an excuse to adopt a similar law.

The law gives French courts the power to prosecute and ban sects.

Hong Kong SAR government officials say they have studied anti-xx laws in other countries, but on Thursday Tung reassured legislators there was no need to ban the group yet.

Earlier this month Australia advised Hong Kong against adopting anti-xx laws similar to those passed in France which could be directed against Falun Gong followers, saying they would damage the former British colony's reputation for freedom.

Reuters contributed to this report.

http://asia.cnn.com/2001/WORLD/asiapcf/east/06/18/hongkong.falungong.sue/ind ex.html

Posting date: 6/19/2001
Original article date: 6/18/2001
Category: News & Media Reports

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