|
Chinese ambassador defends government banning of Falun Gong
Chinese Ambassador Qiao Zonghuai gave a news briefing in Beijing
Tuesday on China's banning of the cult Falun Gong.
"Falun Gong is a typical cult that harms the society,"
Qiao said in an opening statement. "The anti-humanity, anti-society
and anti-science words and deeds of the cult's founder Li Hongzhi
have already caused serious damages to society."
Over the past few years in some parts of China, more than 1,400
people have died as a result of practicing Falun Gong and many others
have suffered psychological distress, he said.
At the strong appeal of the people, the Chinese government, strictly
in accordance with the law, decided to outlaw the "Research
Society of Falun Dafa" and the evil cult under the illegal
organization's control.
"The banning of Falun Gong by the Chinese government not only
complies with the international human rights instruments but also
follows the common practice of all other governments in the world
regarding cults," Qiao told reporters.
Participants at the briefing also watched a video show exposing
the true face of the Falun Gong cult.
The following are major questions and answers at the briefing:
Q: Up until now, how many Falun Gong practitioners have been prosecuted?
Whether Falun Gong disciples are arbitrarily tried and given harsh
punishment for their acts?
A: The policy of the Chinese government is that only those who
organize and use this evil cult to engage in illegal business activities
or any other illegal activities or disturb social order repeatedly
will be prosecuted. These people only account for a very small proportion
of the practitioners.
Up to now, 44 people in relation to 20 cases have been prosecuted
by the procuratorates to the courts.
The trials of some key members of the Falun Gong cult by the Chinese
courts have been conducted in strict accordance with legal procedures,
the defendants invited lawyers for their defense and their legitimate
rights have been guaranteed in due regards.
After careful trials and based on ample facts and evidence, the
courts found that the accused had organized and used the cult to
obstruct justice, illegally obtained state secrets, illegally possessed
state confidential documents and secrets, intentionally leaked secret
state information and carried out illegal business activities.
In accordance with Article 300 of the Criminal Law of the People's
Republic of China and other relevant regulations, the courts issued
decisions on the accused.
Q: Does the decision to ban Falun Gong have any effect on other
Qigong organization?
A: The Chinese government has repeatedly reiterated that China
is a country ruled by law. All social groups and organizations should
abide by the constitution and law in carrying out their activities.
The Chinese government has never opposed or prohibited normal practicing
activities aimed at building health. Therefore, it is permissible
and will not be prohibited if the normal practice activities are
in line with the law. The purpose of banning Falun Gong is just
to ensure the normal health activities by the people and prevent
such swindlers as Li Hongzhi from poisoning the people in the name
of practicing Qigong.
Q: Do you think the issue of Falun Gong will be raised at this
year's session of the Commission on Human Rights? Will it be used
as an excuse to table a draft resolution in China?
A: Outlawing and fighting against Falun Gong by the Chinese government
have won the support of the majority of countries and their governments.
We appreciate this. Meanwhile, we advise those few people who persist
on using Falun Gong to interfere in the internal affairs of China
to change over to new ways. If some people will use Falun Gong as
an excuse to table a draft resolution on China in the Commission
on Human Rights, to support the evil cult, they will only end up
with ruined reputation and indecent result.
(Xinhua)
|
