Media Alert: Former Chinese Leader Jiang Zemin Sued in Belgium for Genocide, Crimes against Humanity and Torture

Brussels, August 20 2003: Former Chinese leader Jiang Zemin should be sued under Belgian New Law (Law of 5th August 2003) for the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners. A legal complaint alleging torture, crimes against humanity and genocide will be introduced before the Federal Prosecutor.

Georges-Henri Beauthier, attorney for the plaintiffs, will speak at a press briefing Wednesday morning, 11:00 a.m., at the Palais of Justice, Salle des Pas Perdus (Place Poelaert, 1000 Bruxelles).

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Matthias Slaats - [email protected] - 0497/470.865
Nicolas Schols - [email protected] - 0479/875.734
Yuhong Shi - [email protected] - 0476/767.668
George-Henri Beauthier - [email protected] - 02/538.68.91

An online petition to support our law case can be found at http://www.fldf.be/justice.html

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Background

Falun Gong, also known as Falun Dafa (about), is a practise of meditation and exercises with teachings based on the universal principle of “Truthfulness-Compassion-Tolerance.” It is a practise that was taught in private for thousands of years before being made public in 1992 by Mr. Li Hongzhi. Falun Gong has roots in traditional Chinese culture, but it is distinct and separate from other practises such as the religions of Buddhism and Taoism. Since its introduction in 1992, it quickly spread by word of mouth throughout China, and is now practised in over 50 countries.

With government estimates of as many as 100 million practising Falun Gong, China’s President Jiang Zemin outlawed the peaceful practise in July 1999 (report), fearful of anything touching the hearts and minds of more citizens than the Communist Party. Unable to crush the spirit of millions who had experienced improved health and positive life changes from Falun Gong, Jiang’s regime has intensified its propaganda campaign to turn public opinion against the practise while quietly imprisoning, torturing and even murdering those who practise it.

The Falun Dafa Information Centre has verified details of 767 deaths (reports / sources) since the persecution of Falun Gong in China began in 1999. Government officials inside China, however, report that the actual death toll is well over 1,600, while expert sources estimate that figure to be much higher. Hundreds of thousands have been detained, with more than 100,000 being sentenced to forced labour camps, typically without trial.