GREENACE resident Rona Rui was denied a basic human right this week – the right
to attend her mother’s funeral.
Mrs Rui was refused a visa to China, where her mother longed to see her, because
of her association with the Falun Dafa organization – a practice outlawed by
China in 1999.
Mrs Rui’s mother contracted lung cancer while detained in a labour camp. She
was held at the camp because she practised the meditation and exercises of Falun
Dafa, based on the principles of truth, compassion and forbearance.
With no visa, Mrs Rui could not attend her mother’s funeral, held on Monday.
She has tried to obtain a visa since June, when she was first told her mother’s
condition, but has been constantly refused.
The decision is even more surprising, as Mrs Rui has previously been allowed
to visit China.
“I am very sad,” Mrs Rui said. “My mum was waiting a long time
to see me.”
“The Chinese consulate has said for a very long time they will let me know
if I can get a visa, but they never call me.”
“I go in there every day. They tell me I have the right to practise Falun
Dafa in Australia but they have the right to refuse my visa.
“There were people who came from all over China to be at my mother’s funeral,
and they were waiting for me.”
Bankstown councillor Clive Taylor has slammed the decision by the Chinese consulate,
and has written to the Chinese Government asking them to reconsider their position
on Falun Dafa practitioners.
“I asked them to consider it on compassionate and humanitarian grounds,
” Cr Taylor said.
“I am opposed to what the Chinese Government is dong to these people [Falun
Dafa practitioners]”
“We all have parents. At a time like this, you need family support.”
The Chinese consulate did not return the Torch’s calls.
Posting date: 30/March/2003
Original article date: 11/December/2002
Category: Media Reports
