|
Philadelphia Practitioners Hold Candlelight Vigil, Call for Rescue of Charles Li (Photos)
(Clearwisdom.net June 9, 2003) On June 5, the 9th day of US
Falun Gong practitioner Charles Li's hunger strike in a Chinese prison, several
dozen Falun Gong practitioners from the Philadelphia area gathered in front of
Philadelphia City Hall to hold a candlelight vigil calling upon the US
government and people to rescue Charles Li and put an end to the brutal
persecution of good people that follow the principle of Truth, Compassion and
Tolerance. In China, over 100 million people practice Falun Gong, and the families of
these 100 million Falun Gong practitioners are also persecuted. Using his sister
Yang Jingfang as an example of someone who was arrested several times because
she wanted to be a good person by following the principle of Truth, Compassion
and Tolerance, Dr. Yang Jingduan told the audience about the brutal persecution
against Falun Gong practitioners in the last 4 years which has resulted in over
700 deaths. Mr. Yu , a civil engineer from northern Philadelphia, attended the
candlelight vigil and said, "Everyone in the world should learn the truth of
Falun Gong. When we all send out our righteous voice, the persecution won't last
long. I hope the Chinese people will have freedom of speech and belief. If the
Chinese government follows the law, only then will the country will be truly
prosperous and have a happy future." When asked what he though about "Bring Jiang to Justice" on the banner, Mr.
Yu said, "It is very significant. Everyone is equal before the law. Jiang Zemin
persecuted Falun Gong and committed the crime of genocide. It is not only not permitted
by heavenly principles, but he should also be punished by the law. The lawsuit
is against Jiang, not against the Chinese government. Falun Gong practitioners'
peaceful protest by following the law and truth is a first in Chinese history.
It will produce a long-lasting effect in China's future." A Delaware County News reporter expressed great interest after receiving
practitioner's email and phone calls and came to the site to interview Falun
Gong practitioners. He talked to practitioners for quite a long time. We suggest that practitioners in different areas clarify the truth through
the media. For example, before each significant event takes place, such as the
Houston trip, Charles Li appeal, lawsuit against Jiang, etc, practitioners
should contact local media to let more people know about Falun Gong and the
persecution in China through their own cultivation stories and their family
members' suffering in China. |