FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - July 25, 2002[ http://www.faluninfo.net/ ]

The House passed Concurrent Resolution 188 yesterday in a 420-0 vote, calling for an end to China's persecution of Falun Gong.

Initiated by Florida Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, the chair of the International Operations and Human Rights Committee, the resolution was co-sponsored by more than 100 members of Congress.

During debate on the House floor, Ms. Ros-Lehtinen described the extent of the persecution in China: "In the past 3 years there has been a systematic escalation of horrific attacks launched by Chinese authorities against Falun Gong practitioners. The deplorable action by the Chinese authorities has included the brutal torture of followers, particularly women, who have been arrested, gang-raped and brutally beaten."

Ms. Ros-Lehtinen continued, "In one instance, a 19-year-old woman who was arrested in Tiananmen Square died 13 days later while still in police custody. Her face and lips were severely swollen, both ears were plugged with blood-soaked cotton, and her nose had collapsed as a result of repeated beatings."

The position of Congress expressed by this resolution echo a statement made by President Bush in a letter to Ben Gilman (R-NY) in March of this year, which stated "We have repeatedly stressed to the Chinese government that there is no justification for its brutal repression of Falun Gong."

The resolution, however, extends beyond the persecution of Falun Gong in China. For the past three years, allegations against Chinese officials for engaging in illicit activities in the U.S. have caught the attention of many U.S. officials. Ms. Ros-Lehtinen also addressed this issue during the House debate: "The PRC's persecution of the Falun Gong in China constitutes the most deplorable and inhumane behavior. Disturbingly, these practices are now being employed in the United States against the Falun Gong. Falun Gong practitioners here in the United States are the victims of death threats, of car bombs, of vandalism against their homes, of cyber attacks and harassment."

Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen: "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men and women to do nothing. Therefore, I call on my colleagues to render their support to the Falun Gong..."

Ms. Ros-Lehtinen continued, "Given the increased evidence linking Chinese officials to this wave of persecution, Mr. Speaker, it is imperative that we in the United States act swiftly and decisively to address this serious matter. We must send a clear message to the PRC that such behavior will not be tolerated in this country and that violators will be held accountable for their actions."

On April 3, 2002, nearly 50 American citizens and U.S. residents announced the filing of a landmark civil lawsuit against two government ministries of the People's Republic of China. The Lawsuit alleges a systematic, and often violent, campaign of criminal activities in the U.S. designed to deprive American citizens and residents of their constitutional rights and privileges.

Concurrent Resolution 188 calls for action on three fronts:

1. The Government of the People's Republic of China should cease its persecution of Falun Gong practitioners

2. The United States Government should use every appropriate public and private forum to urge the Government of the People's Republic of China - (A) to release from detention all Falun Gong practitioners and put an end to the practices of torture and other cruel, inhumane, and degrading treatment against them and other prisoners of conscience; and (B) to abide by the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by allowing Falun Gong practitioners to pursue their personal beliefs

3. The US Government should investigate illegal activities by the Government of the People's Republic of China and its diplomats, concerning harassment of US citizens and residents who practice Falun Gong and of US officials who support Falun Gong; and take legal action or resort to deportation for those Chinese officials who have been found engaging in unlawful activities on US soil.

For the full text, visit: http://www.faluninfo.net/displayAnArticle.asp?ID=5982

Background

Falun Gong, also known as Falun Dafa, is a practice of meditation and exercises with teachings based on the universal principle of "Truthfulness-Compassion-Tolerance." It is a practice that was taught in private for thousands of years before being made public in 1992 by Mr. Li Hongzhi. Falun Gong has roots in traditional Chinese culture, but it is distinct and separate from other practices such as the religions of Buddhism and Taoism. Since its introduction in 1992, it quickly spread by word of mouth throughout China, and is now practiced in over 50 countries.

With government estimates of as many as 100 million practicing Falun Gong, China's President Jiang Zemin outlawed the peaceful practice in July 1999, fearful of anything touching the hearts and minds of more citizens than the Communist Party. Unable to crush the spirit of millions who had experienced improved health and positive life changes from Falun Gong, Jiang's regime has intensified its propaganda campaign to turn public opinion against the practice while quietly imprisoning, torturing and even murdering those who practice it.

The Falun Dafa Information Center has verified details of 438 deaths since the persecution of Falun Gong in China began in 1999. Government officials inside China, however, report that the actual death toll is well over 1,600. Over 100,000 have been detained, with more than 20,000 being sentenced to forced labor camps without trial.