(Clearwisdom.net) New Zealand Falun Gong practitioners report: On October 26, 2004, New Zealand Human Rights barrister Chris Lawrence, representing 11 Falun Gong practitioners, filed a civil lawsuit in the Auckland High Court in New Zealand, to accuse chief culprits in the persecution of Falun Gong, Jiang Zemin and his accomplices, of arresting and physically abusing the plaintiffs when they went to China to visit relatives or paid visits for other purposes. The charges include genocide, torture, illegal arrest and others.

After delivering the lawsuit, the plaintiffs held a press conference outside the court. Barrister Mr. Chris Lawrence arrived in the rain to speak to reporters and supporters, and answered many questions raised by the media. New Zealand national TV1 and TV3 conducted special interviews, and aired them on the prime time news that night.

While being interviewed, Mr. Lawrence expressed that he accepted this lawsuit because it is his responsibility as a barrister, and also because he hates torture. His long-term experience as a Human Rights barrister made him realize the importance of this case in terms of safeguarding human rights. Regarding the persecution Falun Gong practitioners have suffered in China, he believes it "has violated the basic laws of the civilized society, and is an offense to the International Law." He believed the lawsuit would play a partial role in urging the international community to establish responsibility for such events.

Falun Gong practitioners from Australia, New Zealand and Taiwan lined up solemnly and in good order despite a heavy rain outside the Auckland High Court, building a human "Great Wall of Courage," to support this just action with their strong righteous thoughts.

Human Rights barrister Mr. Chris Lawrence

Barrister is being interviewed by TV stations

Falun Gong practitioners from Australia and New Zealand stand outside the court to offer support with their strong righteous thoughts After the delivery of the lawsuit, Falun Gong practitioners' "Great Wall of Courage" continued standing on the street in downtown Auckland to explain the facts about Falun Gong and the persecution to passerby.

Posting date: 10/28/2004
Original article date: 10/27/2004
Category: Falun Dafa Worldwide
Chinese version available at http://minghui.ca/mh/articles/2004/10/27/87726.html

 Yearly Archive  Printer Version