Thursday, August 07, 2008

Falun Gong won't stop for Games

The Dominion Post | Friday, 08 August 2008

Falun Gong members have been accused of not spreading "the love" after ignoring an appeal to halt their protests during the Olympic Games and enjoy the "big party".

Chinese businessman James Hu asked the group protesting outside the Chinese embassy yesterday to recognise the Olympic spirit and put its protest on hold during the Games.

"Let's have fun, the big party is starting. Let's stop the protesting and enjoy the occasion.

"When the great party is starting, we suggest members of Falun Gong will continue the spirit of the Olympics and enjoy the big party with everyone in the world."

Protester Zhe Xue Jin said Falun Gong, described as a sinister cult by China, would ignore the request.

"We want to spread our message to as many people as we can, and we won't stop just because the Olympics are on."

Mr Hu said he respected the group's right to protest, but was disappointed it would not be part of the "Olympic spirit".

"There is nothing wrong with what they are doing, I respect their rights, but the Olympics bring so many countries and different cultures together.

"We all need to stop and enjoy the occasion and it should be a time of peace.

"We need to spread the love."

Falun Gong, a Chinese spiritual movement that believes in tranquil meditation techniques, was banned in China in 1999.

Falun Gong brochures say the group is based on the principles of truthfulness, compassion and forbearance.

It also promotes independent beliefs outside communist ideology.

OLYMPIC WATCH: Human Rights in China and Beijing 2008

No comments: