News and Events Around the World -- August 31, 2005

Issued by Clearwisdom Net

Chinese Commerce Minister Bo Xilai will accompany Chinese President Hu Jintao on his upcoming visit to the United States. Representatives of the Falun Dafa Association have written to the United States government seeking to prevent Bo Xilai from obtaining a U.S. visa. Bo Xilai is the former Dalian City Mayor/CCP Secretary and Governor of Liaoning Province. He is being sued by Falun Dafa practitioners in many countries for torture and other crimes against humanity committed during his term.

The U.S. Falun Dafa Association cites section 212(a)(2)(G) of the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Act, which states that foreign government officials who have engaged in particularly severe violations of religious freedom (as defined in Section 3 of the International Religious Freedom Act) are not allowed entry into the country. Hence, based on U.S. law, Bo Xilai is included in this category of not welcome.

According to the reports of the World Organization to Investigate Persecution of Falun Gong (WOIPFG), it is evident from meeting minutes and reports that Bo Xilai plotted and assigned many aspects of persecuting Falun Gong during his term as Dalian City mayor and as the Governor of Liaoning Province. Liaoning Province is one of the Chinese provinces with a history of severe persecution of Falun Gong

On July 28, 2004, the United States District Court for the District of Columbia found defendants Bo Xilai and Xia Deren both guilty of torture and genocide.

In 2004, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) obtained a list of names of 45 Chinese officials from different government levels who are responsible for the persecution of Falun Gong. If anyone on the list attempts to enter Canada, a prompt investigation would take place, resulting in potential refusal of visas to Canada, cancellation of their Canadian citizenship, deportation, and charges and punishment based on Canada's laws governing crimes against humanity and war crimes. Bo Xilai's name is on that list for crimes related to persecution of Falun Gong.

On August 26, 2005, the Canada Falun Dafa Association held a press conference at the Canadian Parliament building, requesting that the Canadian Government refuse to grant Bo Xilai a visa. The Falun Dafa Association also requested that the current Dalian City Mayor Xia Deren, scheduled to visit Canada in late September, be denied a visa. At the press conference thirteen page document was presented with detailed proof of the actions of Bo Xilai and and Xia Deren in persecuting Falun Gong in Liaoning Province and Dalian City.

Correspondent Li Hua from Vancouver reports: Hu Jintao is about to set off on his trip to North America. Falun Gong practitioners in Vancouver held a series of activities including a press conference, clarifying the truth, collecting signatures and other activities, in the hopes that more people can learn about the truth of Falun Gong and the unprecedented persecution of Falun Gong in China that has lasted for six years. The practitioners also hoped that during Hu Jintao's visit to North America, people who have learned the truth would send out more voices for justice and work together to stop the persecution.

• Press conference calls for denying Bo Xilai and Xia Deren entry into the country

Press conference

On August 27, 2005, practitioners in Vancouver held a press conference in front of the art gallery in downtown Vancouver, requesting the Canadian government to bar entry to Bo Xilai and Xia Deren. Bo Xilai is Minister of Commerce of China and Xia Deren is Deputy Governor of Liaoning Province. Recently, based on the systematic and widespread nature of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) persecution of Falun Gong, the Canadian IRB ruled that the persecution is a "Crime Against Humanity." Several local Chinese and English media outlets came to cover the activity.

A local practitioner said in a speech that Bo Xilai and Xia Deren are among the major perpetrators of the persecution of Falun Gong. Liaoning Province is one of the provinces where the persecution is most severe. In Vancouver, at least three practitioners' relatives are suffering persecution in Liaoning Province. Bo Xilai was listed on a monitor list by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in January 2004 for participating in the persecution of Falun Gong. Xia Deren, deputy governor of Liaoning Province, is also on the list. The Canadian government must not open the door to these criminals. Practitioners ask the international community including Canada to conduct an investigation into the serious crimes against humanity, including the incitement of hatred, economic destruction, torture and murder, and join together to stop the persecution.

A letter from renowned international human rights lawyer David Matas to the Ministers of the Canadian Ministry of Security, Ministry of Immigration and Ministry of Foreign Affairs dated on August 25, 2005 was read at the press conference. Mr. Matas requested the Canadian government to deny Bo Xilai and Xia Deren visas and stated that his request was proposed on the basis of Canada's Crimes Against Humanity and War Crimes Program, and Canada's implementation of international law concerning these issues.

Mr. Matas pointed out that based on Canada's Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, one would be denied entry to Canada if he is found guilty of crimes against humanity. He said that if such officials entered Canada, a message would be passed to the public, and Canada would be sanctioning genocide and human rights persecution.

MP David Kilgour, former chairman of the Commission on Diplomatic and Human Rights, said he supported David Matas' conclusions and "[I]...agree fully that these individuals should not be permitted to enter Canada on the basis of their complicity in the violation of the human rights of Falun Gong practitioners."

Falun Gong practitioner Zhang Chunyu expressed that his mother and elder sister are illegally incarcerated in Liaoning Province for practicing Falun Gong. He said that the CCP is the prime culprit for suppressing Falun Gong practitioners, and also the prime culprit for destroying Chinese traditional culture and other religious groups. The CCP by no means can represent the Chinese people. At present, degeneration of moral standards has led to systematic corruption. The CCP has completely lost the trust of the people, and is on the brink of collapse. The relations between Canada and China are not at all the relations between Canada and the CCP. He called for the Canadian government to uphold Canadian's principle of freedom of beliefs and justice, and urge Hu Jintao to stop the persecution and seriously punish the perpetrators.

Bo Xilai was former Vice Secretary of Liaoning Party Committee, Governor of Liaoning Province, Secretary of Dalian City Party Committee and Mayor of Dalian City. Since the initiation of the persecution of Falun Gong, Bo has managed and directed the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners in Liaoning Province. When Bo was in charge of Dalian, the city was one of the cities where the most severe persecution occurred in China. Fifteen practitioners were tortured to death. When he was governor of Liaoning Province, one billion yuan (about $123 million) was invested in reconstruction of prisons. More than 500 million yuan (about $61.6 million) was invested in Masanjia Labor Camp, Shenyang City. In 2003, Masanjia was built to be the number one prison in China. Many Falun Gong practitioners have been imprisoned and tortured in the camp.

Xia Deren was formerly the mayor of Dalian City and supported the persecution of Falun Gong in the Chinese People's Congress on February 9, 2004 while representing the Dalian City Government. Xia was sued in the United States on February 7, 2002 for crimes of torture and anti-humanity, and found guilty by a U.S. court in June 2003.

• Anti-torture exhibit touches people's kind nature

Anti-torture exhibit

Anti-torture exhibit

Anti-torture exhibit

On August 27-28, 2005, Falun Gong practitioners in Vancouver once again held an anti-torture exhibit in front of the art gallery downtown. By reenacting the torture methods used on Falun Gong practitioners in China, the practitioners showed the public the brutal torture and abuses imposed upon Falun Gong practitioners in the past six years under the CCP autocratic ruling.

Clarify the facts and collect signature

Clarify the facts and collect signature

Clarify the facts and collect signature

While clarifying the facts, Falun Gong practitioners collected signatures for a petition letter to be delivered to Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin. The petition requested Martin to propose to Hu Jintao during his visit to Canada to stop the persecution of Falun Gong. At the same time, the petition requested the Canadian government to deny Bo Xilai and Xia Deren visas, based on international human rights law and Canada's "Crimes Against Humanity and War Crimes" program.

People who have learned about the truth signed the petition and many people left messages on the petition, condemning the CCP's brutal persecution of people who believe in "Truthfulness-Benevolence-Forbearance," and calling for the Canadian Prime Minister to help stop the persecution.

The following are some of messages on the petition:

"This (persecution) must be stopped immediately!"

"Immediately stop the persecution!"

"Call for humanity and freedom for everyone!"

"Mr. Martin, please help Falun Gong practitioners. Stop the brutality!"

"Martin, please not abet the dictators."

"I request you to immediately take action-help stop the persecution!"

"China should have democracy."

"Why? Why? Why? Why do we do business with such a government?"

"Stop committing such atrocities against our fellow people!"

"Prime Minister, please do not permit the perpetrators to enter Canada!"

"You (Falun Gong practitioners) are a good group of people, only that many people do not know you."

"Bless you! Your spirits will accompany you forever!"

"Everyone has a right to live a beautiful life."

Upon hearing that many cheap products made in China sold in Canada are produced by Falun Gong practitioners and prisoners imprisoned in forced labor camps, who are forced to work 10 to 15 hours per day but are not given any income for their labor, many people were shocked and thanked practitioners to let them know the news. They expressed that they would consider carefully if they would buy products made in China in future.

A teacher from Brazil viewed the anti-torture exhibit and said seriously, "This is too sad. I want to help you." She said she would show the photos taken today to the Brazilian embassy, and tell her students about the persecution happening in China. She said that the media should cover this event and let all people learn about it. She also said that her friends worked in the media.

Practitioners answered people's question on why the CCP persecutes Falun Gong, and recommended they read the Nine Commentaries on the Communist Party. The practitioners told people that the book is about CCP history, and is conducive for them to learn why the inhumane persecution is still taking place in China, and why the CCP is the biggest threat to the world's peace.

Many people expressed that they would check information about Falun Gong after going back, read the Nine Commentaries and help spread the truth.

• Four years' anniversary of peaceful appeal in front of the Chinese Consulate

Activity commemorating the 4th anniversary of peaceful appeal

Activity commemorating the 4th anniversary of peaceful appeal

On August 21, 2001, Falun Gong practitioners in Vancouver started their 24-hour round the clock peaceful appeal in front of the Chinese Consulate. It has been four years today of nonstop appeal. After experiencing cold winter and hot summer, rain or shine, practitioners know clearly the hardships they have gone through, and the people of Vancouver also have seen this.

Countless people have learned about the facts of Falun Gong, and countless people have learned about the CCP atrocities from practitioners who have been peacefully appealing here. People have thus generated kind thoughts in their hearts.

On August 20 this year, practitioners held a candlelight vigil in front of the Chinese Consulate to commemorate the "4^th anniversary of peaceful appeal." The practitioners wanted to express their confidence and courage for persisting in their belief and justice and resisting the persecution without fearing brutality.

The practitioners expressed that the persecution has lasted for six years, and their fellow practitioners have endured so many tribulations, but they still want to give Hu Jintao an opportunity to do good. The practitioners hoped that during Hu's visit to North America, he can make himself clear headed, make a prompt decision, and immediately stop the persecution of Falun Gong.

Renowned Denmark lawyer Tyge Trier filed a lawsuit on behalf of Falun Gong practitioners on Sunday August 28, 2005 against Jia Chunwang, procurator general of CCP Supreme People's Procuratorate and one of the central figures in China's Gestapo-like 610 Office -- for crimes contravening the UN Convention Against Torture. Jia Chunwang was sued the same day he arrived in Denmark to partake in an international conference for prosecutors being held in Copenhagen.

Practitioners submit lawsuit at Copenhagen Police Station

The media interviews Danish Falun Gong spokesperson

Tyge Trier, a well known human rights advocate, represents the Falun Gong practitioners in the lawsuit. Mr Trier told the press, "It's a serious case. What we hope will come out of it, is that there be a thorough investigation by the State Prosecutor, that Jia Chunwang will be questioned and that he be apprehended if that is necessary to keep him in the country while the case is investigated."

Defendant Jia Chunwang, deputy head of the 610 Office, has been directly responsible for illegal detention, torture and murder of Falun Gong practitioners in China since 1999. Also, while he was minister of public security from July 1999 to December 2002, Jia Chunwang organized, ordered and encouraged the large-scale arrest and torture of Falun Gong practitioners through the police force and the national system for public security. During his term in office, thousands of Falun Gong practitioners were tortured to death, at least 6,000 people were illegally sentenced to prison, and hundreds of thousands of people were sent to forced labor camps. Jia Chunwang has also spread lies and slandering propaganda against Falun Gong to attempt to justify his horrible crimes.

Plaintiffs filed the lawsuit on behalf of Falun Gong practitioners in China and around the world who have suffered tremendous tribulations during Jia Chunwang's term in power.

Among the plaintiffs is 19-year-old Liu Xiaotian, whose parents were tortured to death for practicing Falun Gong when Jia Chunwang was minister of public security. Yang Tianle, another plaintiff who currently resides in Esbjerg in Denmark, saw his family shattered by persecution when his mother was illegally sentenced to a three year prison term in harsh conditions.

The local Falun Dafa Association called for the Danish government to arrest Jia Chunwang, and bring him to justice.

On the weekend of August 12, Falun Dafa practitioners from Taoyuan, Hsinchu, Jungli and various cities and counties of Taipei as well as Penghu Pescadores gathered at the Jian Tan Overseas Youth Activity Center in Shihlin, Taipei to take part in the 2005 Falun Dafa Experience Sharing Conference of Northern Taiwan. The conference lasted for two and a half days. 

A banner reading "Falun Dafa is Good" hangs outside the main entrance of the Jian Tan Overseas Youth Activity Center

Jingguo Auditorium where the experience sharing conference was held on the afternoon of August 14

Ms. Zhang, one of the organizers, said that originally the annual Falun Dafa experience sharing conference of Northern Taiwan was held at the Taipei National Military Hero Auditorium. After the latter half of 2001, the number of participants increased dramatically. Since it exceeded the capacity of the National Military Hero Auditorium, the venue was changed to the Jian Tan Youth Activity Center. About 2000 people participated in this experience sharing conference.

The 2005 Falun Dafa Experience Sharing Conference of Northern Taiwan

Practitioners speak at the conference

Mr. Cai Souren and the three members of his family had just returned to Taiwan after spending one month on a summer vacation in Manhattan to clarify the truth. When they first arrived in New York, they moved into the dormitories with other practitioners from Taiwan. Seven females shared one room and one bathroom. At first, his wife and two daughters were not used to that, so a lot of human notions appeared. They complained from time to time. In their minds they were thinking about when they could go back to Taiwan and how they could endure that for one month. Such a state of mind, of course, affected their truth-clarification activities. We all understood that we must improve ourselves through studying the principles and sharing with other practitioners.

He also mentioned his role in the anti-torture exhibit during that month. He played the role as an evil policeman who was persecuting Falun Gong practitioners. At first he felt a bit uneasy to just stand there straight like a security guard. He also wanted to maintain his appearance. Sometimes he would use the reflections from the shop windows to check and see if he looked OK. He realized that he was rectifying himself. Later on through sharing with other practitioners who acted as evil policemen and the enlightenment from his Fa study he broke through a lot of psychological obstacles. He also took the opportunity when he acted as a policeman to recite Lunyu. In one hour he could recite Lunyu about ten times. He found that many bad thoughts were eliminated automatically during the process of reciting the Fa. Therefore the number of bad thoughts was getting less and less.

A practitioner who works in the banking and financial sector said that May and June of every year are the busiest months for shareholders of the Taiwan listed companies to have meetings. It is also a good opportunity for the small shareholders to talk to the company management about the unstable political situation and how it might lead to investment risks. He said he was good at writing but dared not speak in public. At the first meeting, although he was reading a script, he was still trembling. When he went to the last meeting, he was able to clarify the truth freely. The pace of change was beyond his expectation. During the process, he realized that in clarifying the truth to save peoples, we should use everyday people's techniques wisely and strengthen basic skills on top of our righteous beliefs and great compassion.

Practitioners also shared their experiences of phoning people in China, the staff in the forced labor camps and in saving the orphans of Falun Gong practitioners. They felt that peoples were getting more rational and longing to learn the truth. They realized that it is time for us to step up our truth-clarification in a more painstaking manner.

The two-and-a-half-day experience sharing conference concluded successfully at 6 p.m. on August 14. When practitioners walked out of the conference hall, they were all full of happiness. They all expressed that they would join group Fa study more. They thought that experience sharing helped them to find their own shortcomings and gaps. They would therefore use their time to practice even more diligently, and walk every step steadfastly and righteously.

Hong Kong resident Ms. Liang Xiaofeng is a United States citizen. She is a reporter for New Tang Dynasty Television under the air name of Liang Zhen. Her mother Ms. Yuan Yuju, 62 years old, and her elder brother, Mr. Liang Jinhui, 36 years old, were illegally arrested in Luzhou City, Sichuan Province. This situation has come to the attention of the U.S. Consulate in Hong Kong. Ms. Liang has asked for help from the U.S. consulate and briefed them on the situation.

Ms. Yuan Yuju and Mr. Liang Jinhui were detained on July 19 by the Chinese Communist authorities for practicing Falun Gong. The police also confiscated property valued at approximately 20,000 yuan. They are currently detained at the Luzhou Detention Center. The incident was first revealed in the July 21 issue of the Epoch Times in Hong Kong, and it captured the attention of the Hong Kong people. Some VIP's in Hong Kong such as, Szeto Wah, the president of the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movement in China, and Legislator Leung Kwok Hung, joined in the press conference on July 27.

On August 9, the U.S. Consulate officials in Chengdu City, Sichuan Province sent out diplomatic correspondence to the authorities in Luzhou City to express their concern. They also made phone calls to follow-up. They first called the Police Department of Sichuan Province, but the latter refused to reveal any information, saying the people involved in the case are Chinese citizens and they are not obliged to provide any information to the U.S. Consulate. The U.S. Consulate again made many phone calls to the Luzhou City Police Department, but their calls went unanswered. They said they would use other ways to contact the authorities of Luzhou City.

As a result of the attention by the U.S. Consulate and other organizations, there has been some improvement. On August 10, the Naxi District State Security Police Squad of Luzhou City Police Department called Ms. Liang Xiaofeng's father and promised to return some of their confiscated property, such as his computer and a digital camera. He claimed these belongings on the morning of August 11. However, without any legal documents, the police requested the accounting books of his computer shop for further investigation.

On that day, 24 days after Liang Xiaofeng's mother and brother were detained, news finally came forth that her mother Yaun Yuju was okay.

Presently, Liang's father is not allowed to visit them. The Naxi District State Security Police Squad of Luzhou City Police Department is investigating the case and just changed their phone numbers, which they are not revealing.

At 9:30 a.m. on July 19, Ms. Yuan Yuju (62 years old) and her son Liang Jinhui (36 years old) were arrested at Yinghui Computer Shop, their family business in Anfu Town of Naxi District, Luzhou City, Sichuan Province. Three or four policemen searched the shop and their home, confiscating belongings worth nearly 20,000 yuan (approximately $2,600), including three computers. Ms. Yuan and her son are now illegally detained. They are detained in Luzhou City Detention Center and visits from family are not allowed. Left alone at home is Ms. Yuan's 70-year-old husband who has hypertension.

More than ten other Falun Gong practitioners were arrested on the same day. It was said that later on, more practitioners were arrested. No one has been released. The police sought to substantiate their fabricated charges by gathering evidence through pressure and torture. It is said that the Luzhou City Police Department directly gave the order for the arrest. The practitioners' work units did not receive any notice in advance. The people in charge of the case refused to reveal details for the sake of "state security."

The arrest was likely planned a long time ago, as the warrant was issued on July 15. According to Minghui (the Chinese version of Clearwisdom) website's report, at the end of May, 610 Office personnel in Sichuan Province had meetings in Luzhou City to prepare for another round of persecution against Falun Gong practitioners.

Lutianhua Group Inc. is the largest producer of urea (compound used to produce plastics, animal feed, and fertilizer) in China. Ms. Yuan Yuju's husband is one of the major founders of the company and an important figure. He is a well-known expert and professor in the local area. Yuan Yuju is a retired technician of the company. She is a very kind person. In 1995, she started practicing Falun Gong and benefited greatly. After the persecution of Falun Gong began on July 20, 1999, she didn't stop practicing and she often tells people how good Falun Gong is. The police searched her home many times and bugged her phone. She applied to visit her daughter in Hong Kong many times, but was refused.

Ms. Yuan Yuju's son, Liang Jinhui, had a high fever in 1994 and suffered brain damage from the medical treatment. He wanted to practice qigong, but his family didn't let him practice Falun Gong, as it is not recommended for mentally ill people. Still, he practiced on and off. After 2001, he appeared to have recovered, but still needed to take medicine regularly. Since he is knowledgeable about computers, the police see him as a major figure in the case and plan to sentence him to imprisonment.

The State Security Police Squad of Luzhou City Police Department in Sichuan Province
Address: Anfu Town, Naxi District, Luzhou City, Sichuan Province
Zip code: 646300
Telephone: You can call Naxi District Police Department 86-830-4292632 and ask for it.

The unit responsible for arresting Falun Gong practitioners
The Domestic Security and Protection Branch of Luzhou City Police Department, Sichuan Province
Address: 19 Jiangyang Road, Luzhou City, Sichuan Province
Zip Code: 646000
Telephone: 86-830-3199200 86-830-3199175
Captain: Hu Zeshu
Policemen: Ma Jinchuan, Chen Ge (who arrested Mr. Liang Jinhui), Luo Ning, Li Xinhua (who arrested Ms. Yuan Yuju)

Place of detention: Luzhou City Detention Center
Address: near Xinanfu Bridge on Dana Road of Anfu Town, Naxi District, Luzhou City, Sichuan Province
Zip Code: 646300
Telephone: 86-830-4270570, 86-830-4270572, 86-830-4270642

Police Department of Naxi District, Luzhou City
Telephone: 86-830-4292632
Chief Officer of the State Security Squad in Naxi District of Luzhou City: Huang Zhongjie

Luzhou City Police Department
Address:
19 Jiangyang Road, Luzhou City, Sichuan Province.
Zip Code, 646000

Telephone of the Commissioner and Party Secretary of Luzhou City Police Department: 86-830-3199006
Du Baoping, Deputy Commissioner (in charge of persecuting Falun Gong) 86-830-3199002
He Wenjun, Deputy Commissioner: 86-830-3199007
Ji Xiaomin, Deputy Commissioner: 86-830-3199008
Domestic Security and Protection Branch (persecuting Falun Gong) 86-830-3199200
Prison Management Branch: 86-830-3199156
Luzhou City Detention Center: 86-830-3111681

New York is one of the biggest cities in the world. Walking down a busy street, one meets people of different races and from different countries around the world. Our anti-torture exhibits were set up on one of those busy street corners. Every day, huge numbers of people flowed past. Regardless of their nationalities, their countries of origin, or their social status and background, as soon as they understood our intention, they gladly signed the petition without hesitation.

Of the overseas travelers who kindly gave their support, some had come from as far north as Iceland, and others had come from as far south as South Africa. As for the locals who visited our site, we met many Latin Americans who called us amigos. There were government and non-government officials from different states and from countries overseas. Their social status did not seem to matter. Everyone who gave support demonstrated a very basic human nature - love for one's fellowman. I was deeply moved by their sincerity, and their moral support and encouragement lingered in my mind long after they had left.

After hearing what was happening in China, a bewildered Indian family of six found it hard to believe that such atrocities still exist and that some Chinese have had to sacrifice their lives to practice. The six family members were only too eager to put their names down in support. As the crowd thinned out, I noticed that the family was still there standing. "Perhaps they had questions to ask," I thought. As I approached them, the mother said, "I would like to make a donation but could not find your donation box." I explained to them that we did not accept donations. Our desire was to call on the support of all kind-hearted and righteous-minded people to help end this ongoing persecution and to restore basic human rights in China.

Caught by the displays, a young Austrian girl stopped by. Not only did she put down her own name, but also the names of all her friends and relatives. "Shouldn't you get permission from them first?" I asked. "I am sure they would be more than happy to support this righteous cause. I am signing on their behalf," she replied.

A young man in his early twenties asked us what the exhibit was all about. After giving him an explanation, he still didn't seem to understand, so I went further and explained the inherent evil nature of the Communist Party, which was responsible for this inhuman persecution. He told me that his ancestors were from North Africa and that their family was a Christian family. They were taught from the time they were children to love everybody, even their enemies. Consequently, the Communist concept of "combating heaven and earth" and being against each other was something he could not comprehend. He told me that there were more and more Chinese migrating into his country, which could be a worry. I told him that the Chinese were kind by nature. It was the Communist ideas that had brainwashed and distorted the people's minds. Since he returned to his home country very often, he was happy to take some truth clarifying materials for his Chinese friends.

A couple stopped and stared at the display board. Pointing at the victims on the board, I told the couple that human rights did not exist in China under the Communist regime and that those brave people did not submit even under pressure. The man told me that he could understand what it was like under Communist rule. He said he was from Cuba. Cuba is another country ruled by Communism. "Many Cubans," he said, "had risked their lives and escaped across the sea to the United States." He added that he was most displeased with the US government for ignoring the inhuman persecution in China for too long, instead letting trade with China come first.

One day, a shabbily attired man stopped by. When I asked him if he would sign the petition, without hesitation, he picked up the pen with his left hand and signed the petition slowly. While he was writing, I noticed that his right hand was incapacitated. Noticing my curiosity, he told me that after an illness three years ago, he had lost all control of his right hand and, because of that, he lost his job as well. I turned around and picked up a handmade lotus flower, which had a label "Falun Dafa is good" in Chinese and handed it to him. "Hang up this flower in your house and recite those words a few times a day. It will help you." After repeating those words with me, making sure he could pronounce the words correctly, the man smiled and left.

More and more Chinese signed the petition voluntarily, and more and more of them accepted the truth clarifying materials handed out. In the beginning, many of them were reluctant to accept them. After explaining to them and telling them moving stories of Falun Dafa practitioners, our words seemed to strike home. Many of them happily accepted the materials and thanked us for them.

One day, two ladies stopped by. Pointing at the picture on a display, I said, "Look at them! These people just wanted to live a healthy life but were deprived of their rights." The ladies nodded their heads. I told them that many of these people had been dying of illnesses before taking up Falun Gong practice. Falun Gong had saved many families.

One of them asked, "Is it true that practitioners are not allowed to seek treatment from doctors when they are sick? There is a statement in the book Zhuan Falun which says Dafa practitioners aren't allowed to do healings." I replied, "When the Chinese government banned the practice in 1999, the state newspaper twisted the facts around in support of the government propaganda and said that practitioners were not allowed to see doctors when they were sick. The intention was to defame Falun Gong and our Teacher and to instill hatred in people towards Falun Gong."

The two ladies seemed to have got the message. I hope they will pass it on to their friends.