Letter To the Editor from an Irish Practitioner

My name is Brian Trought. I was one of the 36 western Falun Gong practitioners who went to Tiananmen Square to appeal against the maltreatment of Falun Gong practitioners.

As you know, many newspapers have reported the event and each have done so from their own point of view. I would like to take this opportunity to tell people about the appeal in my own words.

Every time I read a story about Falun Gong practitioners in China going to Tiananmen Square to appeal, I truly admire their courage. I also feel saddened that these magnificent people are forced to endure inhuman torture for doing this. My going to Tiananmen was certainly not on par with these Falun Gong practitioners.

In my heart, I knew that I was doing the correct thing. But I also knew that I had the security of ‘home’ to come back to. In China, they don’t have this – they give up everything because they believe in a principle. They stand up peacefully and nobly, but time and again get persecuted. I wanted people to clearly see this.

Instead, I have been told that it was wonderful that I “stood up for something”. Yes, I stood up, I stood up because I wanted to let people know “Falun Gong is good”. I stood up for those who are forbidden from saying these words.

I feel it a shame that it has taken 36 Westerners to journey thousands of miles to Tiananmen Square before everyone turned and began to question the persecution against Falun Gong.

Everyday another Falun Gong practitioner appeals on Tiananmen Square, everyday another hero steps forward – everyday we turn our backs and forget them.

I hope that their courage will touch people’s heart and awaken people’s conscience. This persecution has to end.

Warmest Regards,
Brian.