August 15, 2002 (Falun Dafa Information Center) -- They are heroes. When four Europeans heard that an order was given to "shoot on sight" Falun Gong practitioners in China, they decided to appeal for justice. They flew half way around the world to take peaceful, noble, and lawful action-at great expense of personal time and money. In Hong Kong, twelve local residents joined them for this appeal (photos and timeline). They are ordinary people doing extra-ordinary things to safeguard principles for the future of humanity.

The Hong Kong authorities responded, under pressure from Jiang Zemin's regime in China, by obstructing, assaulting, and bringing groundless charges against those making this noble effort.

To the people of Hong Kong, we say: this is an issue for us all. We are holding these appeals not only for the rights of Falun Gong practitioners, but also for you and for the rest of the world--for your way of life, your freedoms, and your future.

Yet, when the rule of law is turned upside down to punish people for peacefully upholding the highest principles, a country puts itself in grave danger. History tells many tales of a nation's loss of moral integrity inevitably leading to destruction--such as the fall of the Roman Empire after corruption and immorality saturated its foundation, or Nazi Germany, whose horrific crimes led it to a quick demise.

Regrettably, some within the Hong Kong government and law enforcement establishment have already brought great damage to their country's future by choosing to turn against freedom and human rights. Worst of all, they have turned against Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance. We hope they will repair this damage immediately. We call upon the Hong Kong government and police to immediately apologize for this act. It is a black mark on Hong Kong's history, and one that greatly tarnishes its image as a law-abiding country that respects human rights and freedom.

The 16 Falun Gong practitioners did nothing wrong. The only thing they obstructed was Jiang Zemin's killing order. Any statement about this appeal that does less than acknowledge its nobility and selflessness is unjust. We regret the befall of the Hong Kong justice system, and the disintegration of its rule of law, manifest by this sham trial. It demonstrates the SAR's "rule of law" is, more and more, becoming the will of Jiang Zemin, and the will of Jiang Zemin is tyranny. We can only hope that Hong Kong's leaders will recognize their mistake and mitigate the enormous loss they have already incurred.

We must learn from humanity's collective history. Martin Neimoller, who suffered under Nazi persecution, said: "First they came for the Communists, but I was not a Communist so I did not speak out. Then they came for the Socialists and the Trade Unionists, but I was neither, so I did not speak out. Then they came for the Jews, but I was not a Jew so I did not speak out. And when they came for me, there was no one left to speak out for me." Without rule of law and civil liberties, anyone can become a victim of tyranny.

We believe in the cause and effect relationship, that one reaps what one sows. We thus extend this solemn suggestion to the Hong Kong government--for the sake of you and your people, do not persecute Falun Dafa, do not attack Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance. No country anywhere, and at any time, should repeat such an act under the coercion of Jiang's regime. Doing so is ominous for that country's future because it directly opposes the principles of freedom and kindness.

We wish to engage the Hong Kong government in an open-hearted dialogue at the earliest opportunity. At the same time we wish to thank the many courageous individuals and organizations in Hong Kong and around the world, who have spoken up on behalf of Falun Gong, freedom, and Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance.

Finally, we call upon all government leaders, elected officials, NGO's, human rights and student organizations to join us in condemning Jiang Zemin's persecution in Mainland China, and his attempt to spread it outside Mainland's borders. His campaign poses a threat to all free nations. It is imperative that people stand up and speak up now. Not only for the sake of Falun Gong practitioners, but for the sake of all people everywhere. Please join us in opposing this illegal and inhumane campaign. For the sake of our future, let us learn from history.

Timeline and photos available at: http://www.faluninfo.net/focus/hongkong.asp