By
Falun Gong practitioners in Australia
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.
Falun Gong practitioners unfurl banners in front of Canberra High Court
A supporter appeals: “Mr. Downer, stop supporting the Chinese Communist regime!”
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.
front the CCP's embassy. From left in front row: Zhang Yuqing (65 years old),Wang
Shuru (60), Chang Suwen (71).The back row from right: Li Fuying (77), Zhao Junzhen
(72) and Zhang Xuerong (76, father of plaintiff Zhang Cuiying)
  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 coming 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.” |
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.”
Posting
date: 22/Set/2005
Original article date: 16/Sep/2005
Category: Australian
News
