Spain: Telling the Truth at “Immigration, Freedom Land” Symposium at Comillas University

On March the 18th, Spanish Falun Gong practitioners were invited to participate in the “Immigration, Freedom Land” symposium at Comillas University in Madrid. The Falun Gong practitioners told the audience that Jiang Zemin’s regime has orchestrated a bloody suppression of millions of Falun Gong practitioners in China, and extended this persecution beyond the mainland, into democratic countries.

One of the practitioners said in his speech that, “Freedom of belief for citizens and basic human rights are clearly protected by the Chinese constitution and international human rights treaties. However, Jiang’s regime has not respected the Chinese constitution or international treaties, and has trampled on these fundamental freedoms and human rights, including even the right to life, of millions of Falun Gong practitioners in China. Furthermore, Jiang’s regime has extended this persecution overseas through Chinese Embassies and Consulates. Many overseas Falun Gong practitioners are unable to obtain a visa for visiting their relatives in the mainland and unable to renew their passports. Falun Gong practitioners have also been illegally deprived of their right to nationality, just because they persist in their belief in Truthfulness, Compassion and Forbearance. This has transformed them from legitimate residents with working status into stateless refugees.”

Those in attendance were shocked by the Jiang regime's criminal acts. In particular, everyone was surprised by the example of a young female overseas practitioner who can’t go through marriage formalities because the Chinese Embassy refused to sign and issue the proof of her unmarried status.

A representative from International Pardon spoke at the meeting, saying that it was not the first time that she had heard about the unfair treatment and persecution of Falun Gong practitioners in China. Moreover, she said that the best way of improving this environment and even stopping the persecution is to unite all forces of justice, including governments, non-governmental organisations, and people who protect human rights, and to persist with diligence and an unyielding spirit. She strongly appreciated Falun Gong practitioners’ continuous resistance with peace and reason. Finally, she sent regards to all overseas Falun Gong practitioners who are suffering unfair treatment, and expressed her hope of hearing good news from them as soon as possible.

After the meeting, the organiser took the initiative to find the practitioners and wanted to know more about Falun Gong and the persecution in China. He sincerely expressed that he would help the practitioners to stop this persecution. Those attending the meeting included the President of Comillas University, the director of internal affairs, immigration and protection in International Pardon as well as well-known reviewers and experts on immigration from Spain, France and the United States, . The president of the university told the practitioners that, although it was the first time that he had heard about Falun Gong, he was extremely attracted and wanted to learn more about it.