United States: Western Falun Gong Practitioners in New York Carry Out a Five-Day Sit-in to Call for the Rescue of Charles Li

At noon of Sunday, April 6, a five-day sit-in appeal by Western practitioners in New York City for the rescue of Charles Li drew to a successful conclusion. Nine African American Falun Gong practitioners, including a 24-year-old man, six grandmas and two in their late forties initiated this appeal. The Jiang regime's frenzied persecution against Falun Gong, especially its persecution against an American citizen, made these practitioners feel the need to appeal to the American government, media and the public to pay more attention to the on-going suppression of Falun Gong practitioners in China. They also made an urgent call to people from all walks of life to rescue American citizen Mr. Charles Li, who is imprisoned by the Jiang regime.

At the beginning of their sit-in, the practitioners held a press conference. Several Chinese and English media outlets came to cover the event. They also visited New York Senator Hilary Clinton's office and had a 45-minute talk with her staff members. During the following five days and four nights, despite the chilly weather, a drizzle and the wind, they silently but steadfastly appealed to the passersby in mid-Manhattan to rescue Charles Li. At 7 a.m. every morning, their group practise of the Falun Gong exercises added an especially peaceful scene to the bustling city. Their candlelight vigil during the night was also peaceful and serene.

Other practitioners have helped out a great deal for this event. They contacted the media and government officials, and also joined the daily sit-in.

One after another, passersby stopped to read the banners and signs. Many people came over to ask about and learn more about Falun Gong. People who knew about the persecution took the initiative to sign a petition and expressed their deep concern and sympathy. People driving by also tried to find out what was going on. Some stopped their vehicles to get truth-clarifying materials.