(AFDI) Thursday, 3 July 2003 – Melbourne resident Mr. Tang Xianhui appears before the Federal Court in Melbourne at 10.15 am today (Thursday, 3/7/03) in a last ditch effort to preserve his liberty and stay in Australia.
A former democracy activist and current Falun Gong practitioner, Tang has a double reason for not wishing to return to his homeland of mainland China.
Long since blacklisted in China for his democratic activities several years ago, Tang has been a Falun Gong adherent for four years. His chances of avoiding arrest if returned to China are minimal.
Falun Gong practitioners who refuse to renounce their beliefs are subject to intense physical and psychological torture.
“Tang has stood up for freedom of belief and expression. These are the very principles on which Australian society is supposed to be founded. To forcibly return him to the tender mercies of a totalitarian state is indefensible” said Dr. Michael Pearson-Smith, spokesperson for Falun Dafa.
Where: Federal Court 305 William St. (cnr. Latrobe St.)
When: Thursday, 3rd July, 2003, 10:15 am
Court Hearing number V286.
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Contact: Dr. Michael Pearson-Smith: 0409 500 271, Kati Vereshaka: 0408 165 094
Background Information: www.falunau.org , Email:news@falunau.org
