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| Voices of Support >> Governments and Politicians |
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| Local Government | Government Statements | Politicians | European Parliament | United Nations | |
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| January 2004 |
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| Letter from a Member of European Parliament to the Mayor of Paris -- "Paris Should Not Have Yielded to Beijing!" [30.01.2004] |
"I was saddened to learn that you yielded to pressure for the dictators of China and stopped the French Falun Gong practitioners from participating in the Chinese New Year parade in Paris. France should have stayed true to European democratic and egalitarian principles by standing up to the pressure from China. China suppresses its own people and now France is allowing China to suppress the citizens of France from expressing their beliefs!" |
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| Israel: Lawyers Support Petition to Bring Jiang to Justice [20.01.2004] |
Recently, Israeli practitioners have started to send letters to those in the legal profession in Israel. Some lawyers have already signed the petition, and one of them was so moved by the letter that he requested to meet practitioners immediately. When practitioners met him, he was eager to help in any way he could and even asked to read “Zhuan Falun”. At the end of the meeting, there were tears in his eyes, and he hugged practitioners warmly. |
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| December 2003 |
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| Reply from the Chairman of the Swedish Foreign Office: “Your letter provides us with valuable information.” [28.12.2003] |
"For the human rights status in China, we in the Swedish Diplomacy Committee have constantly paid attention to and raised the issue that concerns you. Our international representative has stated our point of view on this. When we meet with Chinese government representatives, we will speak to them about their actions against human rights, among which the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners is included."
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| MEP Condemns Human Rights Violations Initiated by the Former President of China [26.12.2003] |
"Jiang Zemin should be held responsible for the human rights violations that occurred during his time in power. Jiang's case has also become a clear message to the present leader of China, which is China must make an immediate correction of its policy of persecuting Falun Gong in order to fulfil the requirements of the International Human Rights criterion." |
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| Speech by John Bowis MEP at a Falun Gong Press Conference in Strasbourg [23.12.2003] |
"What was clear was that in its early days, the Chinese authorities actually encouraged it. It was seen as something not threatening; it was seen as something healthy that contributed to the wellbeing of people. And then they got cold feet, and thought that perhaps this was leading to some self-expression that went beyond the wishes of the regime. I think that was very sad. Because China is a very big country, to be part of a country, it does not need to suppress the instincts and wishes of individuals and groups and minorities." |
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| Speech by Roger Helmer MEP at a Falun Gong Press Conference in the European Court of Human Rights [22.12.2003] |
"I have been speaking to representatives of Falun Gong over the last three or four years. I have been briefed on the sort of persecution that the Chinese practitioners of Falun Gong have faced on the Chinese mainland and I think nobody can hear those stories without being very distressed and saddened, both for the individual suffering of those people and also for the fact that in China there appears to be no freedom to practise religion and no freedom to take an alternative view." |
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| Scottish MP Calls for an End to the Persecution of Falun Dafa on World Human Rights Day [10.12.2003] |
"I very much share your concern at the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners in China and agree that more action should be taken by the UN and its leading members to highlight this and bring pressure on the Chinese authorities to cease their disgraceful activities." |
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| November 2003 |
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| Letter to a Practitioner from the Chief of the Human Rights Department of the Finnish Foreign Ministry [27.11.2003] |
"The Finnish government has continued to pay close attention to human rights situation in China. Just like I mentioned in the letter sent to you on the 25th of November 2002, Falun Gong issue is being looked at all the time in the relations between China and Finland as well as in the European Union." |
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| Letter from an Irish MP to a Practitioner [22.11.2003] |
"I was glad to hear from you and appreciate your very real and deep concerns about persecution of Falun Dafa practitioners in China. This is a concern which I and the Labour Party as a whole share, and we have raised it on numerous occasions in the Dail. I enclose some Parliamentary Questions which we have put to the Minister for Foreign Affairs on this topic in recent times, along with the Minister’s replies." |
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| UK Member of Parliament Marris Writes to Wen Jiabao Urging Chinese Government to Release Falun Gong Practitioners [21.11.2003] |
"On November 13 2003, UK Member of Parliament Marris wrote to Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, urging the Chinese government to release Falun Gong practitioners unconditionally. Marris said in his letter, they are incarcerated solely because of their expression of their peacefully held belief. "I strongly urge the Chinese government to ensure that independent investigation is carried out into the allegations and released them unconditionally if the allegations are upheld." |
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| MEP Offers Help to Bring Chief Persecutor Luo Gan to Justice [18.11.2003] |
This MEP reminded practitioners that action must be taken, justice will win and as a result the persecution of Falun Gong will come to an end. In conclusion, she stated "if there is an opportunity, I am willing to help you with the lawsuit against Luo Gan. With regards to this, please let us keep in contact." |
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| Swedish MEP's Message at the Opening of a Falun Gong Exhibition in Mora [11.11.2003] |
"As a member of the European Parliament and the Swedish State Committee, my attention has on several occasions been drawn to the infringement and mistreatment of Christians and Falun Gong practitioners within the oppressing dictatorship of China. It is a matter of direct persecution, where many people have lost their innocent lives. Let us all think about those who have sacrificed, who have been victimised for believing in freedom and the right to choose their religion, theory of life, belief and form of meditation. With deep respect for those people who are suffering, and with hope that this exhibition at the Mora house of culture will attract many visitors and receive great appreciation, I send my heartfelt greetings to you all." |
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| Ireland: The First Proclamation of Falun Dafa Day in Ireland by a Mayor in County Laois [10.11.2003] |
"Whereas, Falun Dafa started in china in 1992, and its activities of exercises and practices are based on the universal quality of Zhen-Shan-Ren, which means truth-compassion-forbearance; and, Whereas, Falun Dafa is designed to improve their physical condition, cleanse their mind, uplift their moral standards. Now, therefore, I, mayor of Ballylinan and district county Laois Ireland, do hereby declare November 9th 2003 as Falun Dafa day."
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| "Something needs to be done, so that justice is served and the persecution against Falun Gong is stopped." - A Member of European Parliament Offers Help to Bring a Persecutor to Justice [07.11.2003] |
"The measures that China has taken against Falun Gong, especially after the systematic persecution began in 1999, are not only strictly condemnable but also very concerning...Something needs to be done, so that justice is served and the persecution against Falun Gong is stopped. Therefore I am interested in helping you in your legal battle against Luo Gan, if a suitable opportunity arises." |
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| Italian MPs Write to the President of the European Commission and the Italian Premier, Calling on China to Improve Human Rights [06.11.2003] |
Prior to the Summit meeting between the EU and China, Italian MP Giannu Vernetti and Senator Alessandro Forlani jointly wrote to the President of the European Commission, Romano Prodi, and to the Italian Premier, Berlusconi, to urge them to put the issue of China’s human rights on top of their agenda during the bilateral dialogue with China. |
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| UK: Scottish MPs Sign a Petition to Support Bringing Jiang to Justice and Rescuing Practitioners Persecuted Friends and Family [05.11.2003] |
One Scottish Member of Parliament wrote, This sort of barbaric practice has to stop, you cannot attack and torture people for exercising their belief in freedom, democracy and justice to speak for those who cannot. |
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| October 2003 |
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| Vice-President of the French Parliament: The Chinese Government Must Change its Attitude towards Falun Gong [29.10.2003] |
Letters were sent from the Vice-President of the French Parliament to the Foreign Minister stating that France must react powerfully to the human rights violations against Falun Gong. The letters also said that the Chinese government must change its attitude towards Falun Gong.
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| A letter from a French MP to the Foreign Minister, asking how Severe Human Rights Abuses in China can be Stopped [29.10.2003] |
Since 1999, the Chinese government has begun a systematic suppression of Falun Gong believers. Nearly 71 million people are under persecution (subject to arrest, detention, torture, re-education through labour, forced into psychiatric clinics and death). As a consequence of this, Eric Dlard demands to know from the Minister, what diplomatic policy our government will adopt to end this severe human rights abuse.
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| A Letter from the Vice-President of the French National Assembly to the Foreign Minister: The French Government must Respond Strongly [28.10.2003] |
Facing this regrettable situation, we, in France, need to act vigorously to urge the Chinese government to change its attitude toward Falun Gong practitioners. I demand the Minister to inform the Chinese government of our position on this matter.
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| Letter from a French MP to a Practitioner expresses Concern over the Persecution of Falun Gong [27.10.2003] |
"Since 1999, the Chinese government has started a systematic persecution of the (Falun Gong) followers...Therefore, I thought it was necessary to write a written question to our Ministry of Foreign Affairs so as to understand how we can change Chinese leaders attitude. I will definitely immediately forward the reply from Mr. Dominique de Villepin (French Foreign Minister) to you."
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| A letter from a French MP to a Dafa practitioner concerning Human Rights Violations in China [25.10.2003] |
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| Speech by a Bulgarian MP: "“Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance”...will remain in our hearts." [16.10.2003] |
"Tolerance, understanding, responsibility and respect for human rights, respect for freedoms of belief, expression, and choice; these are part of the objective of the Alliance for Women’s Freedom. The Alliance for Women’s Freedom is truly honoured to invite everyone to attend this art exhibition. Mrs. Zhang once said, “Chinese painting is like light music and enables people to experience vigour and vitality.”" |
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| French Chief of General Affairs of the National Assembly is concerned about the Persecution of Falun Gong [06.10.2003] |
"I have carefully read your letter about the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners in China. I am sincerely grateful to you [for contacting me]. I have directly contacted the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dominique De Villepin, and stressed in particular the reason for your concern, which is the scale of this persecution."
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| French MP Jean Tiberi: "The Suppression Is Totally Abject" [04.10.2003] |
"Your letter of the 23rd of July last drew my attention to Falun Gong, a traditional Chinese qigong freely practised by 100 million people worldwide. Unfortunately, it is not the same story in China. The practitioners of this particular practice are tortured and killed, total abject suppression as you fairly stated in your letter." |
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| A Letter from a French MP to Dafa Practitioners [02.10.2003] |
"This persecution, launched by the Chinese Government under Jiangs control, is a clear violation of basic human rights. No excuse can justify the persecution. Please set your mind at ease. Your demonstrations have my complete support."
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| UK MP raises a Question about the Misuse of Article 23 against Falun Gong in Hong Kong [02.10.2003] |
On the 1st of September, 2003, UK MP Mr. Gregory Barker raised a question in the House of Commons to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps have been made to assess the Chinese Government's use of Article 23 against the practise of Falun Gong in Hong Kong. |
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| A Letter from the President of the France-China Friendship Association to Falun Dafa Practitioners [02.10.2003] |
"At present, the French and European communities have periodically questioned China and have had to force China to admit human rights violations. With continuous dialogue, carried on by different politicians, we are gradually changing the human rights situations in China. Please trust me that I will raise this issue and will attach importance to the situation as you reported it."
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| Swedish MP asked the Foreign Minister what Measures he will Take to Ensure that the Chinese Consulate respects Swedens Basic Laws [01.10.2003] |
"Falun Gong practitioners broadcast a programme at a local radio station weekly, but Chinese consulate staff contacted the Chief of the radio station and the Vice-Chairperson of the Physical Education and the Association of Management Departments, attempting to stop the programme from being broadcast and to discontinue financial support for local radio stations...What measures would the Minister be prepared to take in order to ensure that the Chinese consulate respects our basic laws, which guarantees freedom of speech?" |
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| September 2003 |
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| French MP expresses Concern over Evil Persecution by the Jiang Regime [28.09.2003] |
"You requested me to pay attention to the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners in China. As a member of the Tibetan issues research group at the national assembly, I am particularly concerned about the issue of human rights in the Peoples Republic of China. I completely share your reasonable anxiety over this intolerant evil behaviour."
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| A Letter to Falun Gong Practitioners from the Office of the German President [27.09.2003] |
"You and I both hope that China will change their human rights situation. This change will also benefit China because if there are no laws or protection for the human rights of people in China, then China cannot become a modern society. We should tell the Chinese government that this is something that must be done." |
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| UK Foreign Ministry 2003 Human Rights Report criticises Chinas Record and Attitude towards Human Rights [24.09.2003] |
China stated at the UN Commission on Human Rights in April 2003 that international concern over human rights in China was unimportant, meaningless and irrelevant. This has led to concerns among both other governments and in the NGO community as to the value China places on human rights dialogue. |
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| A Letter from a French M.P to a Falun Gong Practitioner [11.09.2003] |
"The purpose of writing this letter is to let you know that I will fully support your activities to stop the Persecution of Falun Gong in China." |
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| French MP Replies to a Falun Gong Practitioners [08.09.2003] |
"Please acknowledge that it alerted my attention even though I am very aware of the situation. As you may already know, I have informed the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. M. Dominique de Villipin about this issue. I will continue to, as an M.P., alert others about your situation." |
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| More UK MPs Support the Trial of Jiang for his Crimes against Falun Gong Practitioners [05.09.2003] |
Thank you for your letter of 11th July concerning the persecution of Falun Gong especially by the ex-communist leader Jiang Zemin. I was already familiar with the crimes and with the proposed lawsuits but it is always good to receive reminders of the crimes committed. I entirely agree with the content of your letter. |
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| Letter of Support from Finnish Member of Parliament [04.09.2003] |
"We are very aware of the persecution of Falun Gong. Human rights abuses in China are totally unacceptable. For those who have become accustomed to free society, it is impossible to comprehend how the Chinese government has behaved [in relation to Falun Gong]...through international forums and appealing, we can try to improve the situation, so that China will respect human rights and stop persecuting Falun Gong." |
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| UK MP expresses Support for the Trial of Jiang Zemin [01.09.2003] |
"Thank you very much for your letter of 11 July regarding Jiang Zemin, which I read with interest. Persecution of Falun Gong practitioners does seem to be an act that would be unwarranted in our society. I agree with you that people being tortured to death for adherence to Falun Gong is unacceptable. Anybody who commits such acts should be brought to justice in the correct way and tried under international law.
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| August 2003 |
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| Ireland: Speech from Member of European Parliament Patricia MacKenna [31.08.2003] |
"I think it is up to the international community to raise at every opportunity, the issue of human rights in China. We shouldnt be afraid to do it. We shouldnt allow ourselves to be bullied or blackmailed with the issue of trade, money or financial resources or anything else to stay silent. Any democratic government in any democratic country must fight for the people of all countries regardless of where that country is and regardless of what they say." |
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| UK Mayor Signs Petition to Support the Lawsuit Against Jiang [20.08.2003] |
On July 12th, a UK mayor signed a petition, which was sent to him by practitioners, in support of Falun Gong practitioners lawsuit against Chinese dictator Jiang Zemin.
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| Belgium: A Leading Political Party sends a Message of Support for a Lawsuit Against Jiang Zemin [17.08.2003] |
"The N-VA supports your initiative and really hopes that the juridical steps will have a positive consequence. We wish you all success." |
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| London Councillor writes to UK Prime Minister about the Persecution of Falun Gong and Article 23 [07.08.2003] |
"For a number of years I have supported the campaign by Falun Gong practitioners in the UK to raise awareness of the human rights violations carried out by the Chinese government against Falun Gong practitioners in China. As my constituency contains the largest Chinese community in London, this is an issue very close to my heart." |
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| British Parliamentarians Raise the Issue of Article 23 and Falun Gong with the UK Government [01.08.2003] |
During the months of June and July 2003, Members of both Houses of Parliament raised their concerns regarding Article 23 and its impact on the human rights of Falun Gong practitioners. Parliamentarians who raised such questions included Lord Hylton and Mrs Patsy Calton MP. |
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| July 2003 |
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| UK Foreign Office Minister welcomes Significant Amendments to Hong Kong National Security Legislation [26.07.2003] |
"We witnessed on 1 July the largest demonstration in Hong Kong since the handover with the estimated participation of up to 500,000 people from all sectors of society. It is a tribute to the people of Hong Kong that so large a demonstration could take place in such a peaceful manner. The march clearly showed the desire of Hong Kong people to retain the rights and freedoms they have long enjoyed." |
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| Statement from Irish Member of Parliament Joe Higgins T.D. at Practitioners Dublin Rally on July 20 [23.07.2003] |
"I continue to support the demand that there must be full freedom for supporters of Falun Gong and other beliefs to express their views freely in China and to peacefully practice their beliefs. It is an outrageous assault on human right and human dignity that members of the Falun Gong should be persecuted, imprisoned, tortured and even killed in China." |
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| UK Councillor Supports Bringing Jiang to Justice [16.07.2003] |
"Thank you very much for your letter regarding the Communist Leader, Jiang Zemin. Like you, I share many of your concerns about human rights abuses which have gone on in China. They have been perpetrated on a significant number of the population and have been perpetrated for many years. I am extremely pleased to be able to support your campaign to bring this individual to justice and I hope that one day we can all live in a fairer and more accountable world."
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| Many Members of the UK House of Lords Criticise Hong Kongs Article 23 Legislation [12.07.2003] |
Lord Howell of Guildford stated
did we not tell the people of Hong Kong six years ago that they would not be forgotten?
will the Government nevertheless be very bold indeed, as the noble Lord, Lord Goodhart, suggested, in pointing out to the Government in Beijing, at the highest level, that their pressure for these changes could lead to very serious long-term damage for Hong Kong? Does the Minister agree that quiet dialogue is no longer the appropriate medium for handling this issue? |
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| UK MPs Raise Parliamentary Questions on the Human Rights of Falun Gong Practitioners in China and Hong Kong [12.07.2003] |
On 12 June 2003, Mrs. Calton MP asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent steps he has taken to support the human rights of Falun Gong practitioners in (a) China and (b) Hong Kong? |
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| Swedish Foreign Minister Anna Lindh Again Comments on Persecution of Falun Gong Practitioners [11.07.2003] |
"When it comes to China there are many urgent human rights issues to be dealt with - and the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners is undoubtedly one of the most serious. We are to continue paying close attention to the treatment of Falun Gong practitioners and the Chinese authorities' assaults on their human rights." |
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| June 2003 |
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| MEP Writes to UK Ambassador for China regarding a Practitioners Persecuted Family and Friends [30.06.2003] |
"I have been informed that this people have been imprisoned solely due to their belief in Falun Gong and I would urge you to convey my concerns about these people to your government. I would ask your government to allow family and friends from the United Kingdom to visit these people in China as soon as possible."
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| Swedish Prime Minister: Speaking out for freedom of belief and human rights is everyones duty. [29.06.2003] |
"The Swedish government understands very well how Falun Gong practitioners are being treated in China, which shows serious violations of human rights. It is important for the international community to voice strong opposition to this. The Swedish government can never approve of the persecution of individuals for their beliefs or political views, nor of brutal oppression. Its everyones duty to speak out for freedom of belief and human rights." |
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| Members of European Friends of Falun Gong Sign a Petition to Support the Lawsuit Against Jiang Zemin [22.06.2003] |
Lord Hylton said, I give my full support to the case to bring former Chinese president Jiang Zemin to justice, for acts against humanity in his persecution of Falun Gong practitioners since July 1999 till now. |
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