Photo Report: SOS: Urgent Rescue of Persecuted Falun Gong Practitioners in China

Australian practitioners started the Sydney--Canberra Walk on Wednesday, 11 July 2001. A press conference was held in front of the Chinese Consulate at 10:30am.

Walkers in front of Chinese Consulate	John Deller delivered the Press Statement
Kay Belonogoff gave a speech about her reasons for walking	SBS TV interviewed the 73 year old practitioner who is participating in the walk

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In the press statement, the Australian government was urged to take immediate action to stop the Chinese government's massacre of Falun Gong practitioners. Concerned people and institutions in society and human rights groups were also asked to support the rescue operation.

A number of speeches were given by practitioners who are participating in the Walk. Kay Belonogoff, a Westmead practitioner explained her reasons for walking, "I know the walk will take many days, will be very cold [Ed. Note: it is winter in Australia right now] and will probably require many bandaids to cover blisters, but I am walking to reveal the truth to the people of Australia that people are being killed and persecuted for their belief in the three universal principles of: Truthfulness, Compassion and Forbearance."

Cathy Gao and her family (her husband, six year old daughter and eleven year old son) is also participating in the Walk. She explained, "In China, many practitioners have lost their jobs, their families and even sacrificed their lives for Falun Dafa. My sister-in-law has been sentenced to 1 years in a labour camp in China and is receiving very bad treatment simply because she does not want to give up her belief in TRUTH, COMPASSION and FORBEARANCE which are the principles of Falun Dafa. I want to do something to help her and have her released from jail.... I hope this walk can open people's hearts and strengthen the Australian government's support of Falun Dafa. I hope for a peaceful resolution soon."

A number of media groups attended the press conference, including SBS TV, ABC TV, and APP. SBS TV also interviewed one of the walkers, a 73 year old lady, Mrs. Li, who was arrested by the Chinese police twice. Her daughter is still in a labour camp.

SOS parade in CBD area	Kay reading our letter to Sydney City Mayor Frank Sartor

After the press conference, 30 walkers accompanied by more than 110 practitioners walked towards the CBD area. The rain did not stop our determination in telling the Australian people about the truth of the persecution. At mid-day, many workers were having their lunch break and it was a very good opportunity for us to hand out lots of fliers. Many pedestrians stopped to read the messages on our banners. Many said to us, "Good work!" and "Good luck."

Along our way, we stopped in front of the State Parliament House and Sydney City Council Town Hall to read our letters to the State Premier Bob Carr and Sydney City Mayor Frank Sartor. The solemness of the atmosphere stopped many passers-by and they listened to our speeches.

Practitioners saw the walkers off after the parade	Walkers took a pic before starting their journey to Canberra

The parade finished at around 2:30pm in Chinatown. The 30 walkers continued their journey to Canberra after all the other practitioners wished them good luck.

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