By Christine Lin, Epoch Times New York Staff
June 28, 2008 RESOLVE: City Councilmember Tony Avella from Queens
talks to the media about his resolution to have hate crime charges brought
against the perpetrators of violence in Flushing against Falun Gong
practitioners. (Edward Dai/The Epoch Times) NEW YORK--Councilmember Tony Avella (District 19) announced a resolution that
he will introduce in the City Council this summer regarding the recent mob
violence against Falun Gong in Flushing and other parts of the city. "I'm here to say on behalf of the members of Falun Gong that here at the
city we are not going to tolerate this," Avella said. "I hope that
sometime during the summer I can get quick passage of the resolution." The resolution calls on Queens District Attorney Richard A. Brown to charge
those arrested in recent attacks on Falun Gong practitioners with hate crimes. A
hate crime denotes attacks on specific people based on their religion or beliefs
and additional penalties apply to those convicted of it. In addition, the resolution will ask the FBI to investigate allegations that
the Chinese Communist Party is behind the attacks. "If the Chinese government is found in any way, shape, or form to have
participated in, encouraged, or supported these attacks, then those individuals
should be expelled from this country," Avella said. Avella sent letters to the FBI and the Queens DA today, urging them to take
action. Falun Gong spokesman Erping Zhang expressed his appreciation for Avella's
resolution. "It is appalling to see that the communist regime in China is
treating New York as their own backyard," Zhang said. "We appreciate
this resolution and we move to put an end to this mob violence on US soil as
soon as possible." At least 12 arrests have been made since May 20 in relation to attacks
against Falun Gong practitioners. Incidents mostly involve verbal attacks--but in some cases physical
assault--around the Center for Quitting the Chinese Communist Party in Flushing. Passersby who curse at Falun Gong practitioners distributing flyers have
become a common sight on Main Street in Flushing since mid-May. However,
practitioners have been doing this for years without incident, leading to the
conclusion that the recent slew of attacks are part of an organized campaign
against the spiritual group. Further evidence suggests that the Chinese consulate encouraged the attacks.
In a May 21 phone conversation with an investigator posing as a CCP ally, the
New York Chinese Consul General, Peng Keyu, boasted that he rallied groups of
Chinese against Falun Gong practitioners. "They came over after they fought with Falun Gong and I shook hands with
them one by one and thanked them," Peng is recorded saying. Resolution Time Frame and Procedure: Within two weeks --The City Council's legal division will review Avella's
submitted resolution. In July -- If approved, the resolution will be introduced, then referred
to a committee. The committee will then hold a hearing where all sides may testify. In the fall -- If the committee passes the resolution, it will become
an official recommendation of the New York City Council.
Posting date: 6/30/2008
Original article date: 6/29/2008
Category: News & Media Reports