Australia: Third Directions Hearing Held in Falun Gong Practitioners' Lawsuit against Foreign Minister Downer (Photos)
By Falun Gong practitioners in Australia
(Clearwisdom.net) The Third Directions Hearing was held on September
13, 2005 at Canberra High Court regarding Australian Falun Gong practitioners'
lawsuit against Foreign Minister Downer for abusing his power. Lawyers for both
parties agreed to hold the next hearing on November 14. Australian Senator and
Shadow Minister for Sport and Recreation Kate Lundy sent a letter to support the
Falun Gong practitioners' legal action. In her letter, the Senator for the Australian Capital Territory and Labor
Party said, "As I know, Falun Gong practitioners' human rights appeal in
front of the Chinese Embassy has been peaceful. I've learned that Foreign
Minister Downer signed a document every month since 2002 to restrain (Falun Gong
practitioners from using) banners and music and parking vehicles bearing words
like Falun Gong near the Chinese Embassy, with the excuse that the presence of
Falun Gong practitioners in front of the Chinese Embassy would affect the
'dignity' of the embassy." "I think this (Downer's action) does not
conform to basic values of freedom of speech and freedom of protest in
Australia." "I support Australian citizens' actions of challenging
these documents (issued by Downer) to safeguard Australian basic values. I wish
your efforts achieve success." Spokesperson for Falun Gong Kay Rubacek stated that those who have been
persisting in holding peaceful appeals in front of the CCP's embassy in Canberra
all year long are mainly elderly Falun Gong practitioners. Chang Suwen who is 71 years old said, "I sit here every
day, I don't feel a bit tired, and I'm very happy. It is very difficult in
China. My daughter-in-law was sentenced to two years in prison for distributing
Falun Gong truth-clarifying materials, and is being detained in Tiantanghe
Prison in Beijing. I was once detained in a prison in Lugou Bridge in Beijing
for 27 days. I suffered a lot during the detention. The guards forced us to
squat and lie on the ground. The situation is very harsh in China, I feel
relaxed here." Wang Shuru who is 60 years old said that she had been
repeatedly subjected to persecution in China, such as being sent to forced labor
camps, living a homeless life and being forced to endure brainwashing. She has
been peacefully appealing in front of embassy for over three years. She wanted
to tell Chinese tourists: the CCP's propaganda and the persecution of Falun Gong
are based on lies, and are intended to incite hatred against Falun Gong. She
hoped tourists from Mainland China learn about the truth and will treat Falun
Gong practitioners with kindness after returning to China. Zhang Fuying who is 77 years old said, "I have been here
three to four years. My daughter has been detained in China for over three
years. No matter how difficult the situation is, I keep coming here. Eight hours
a day. I bring lunch with me and eat outside. I want to tell them not to
persecute Falun Gong. Falun Gong is great."
Falun Gong practitioners unfurl banners in front of Canberra High Court
A supporter appeals: "Mr. Downer, stop supporting the Chinese
Communist regime!"
Wang Shuru (60 years old): "We uphold justice. We hope the court
can make a righteous verdict."
Li Fuying (77 years old): "My daughter has been imprisoned in China
for three years. No matter how difficult, I persist in here every day,
telling them not to persecute Falun Gong."
Zhao Junzhen (72): "I have been here in front of the embassy for
four years. I can overcome difficulties in my daily life."
Chinese version available at
http://minghui.ca/mh/articles/2005/9/14/110371.html
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