10/17/03

Silently they stand in protest in front of the Chinese Embassy, demanding the freedom of their loved ones in China.

Immigrants to Canada, fleeing persecution for practicing Falun Gong.

Among them is Li Zhang.

It's been two years and five months since Zhang came to Canada, and just as long since she has seen her husband.

The communist regime in China strictly regulates practices of its people, explained Zhang. Her husband Lizhi had been searching for his roots, when he came across the ancient practice of Falun Gong in a book.

"He loved it," Zhang said. "For over 10 years he had looked for this book."

After reading the book, he insisted that Zhang take a look at the practice. She also felt it was a worthwhile practice.

It's three basic principals -- truthfulness, benevolence, forbearance - appealed to Zhang. She took up the practice too.

Falun Gong [...] involves five gentle exercise movements, combined with mediation. To many it would resemble Tai Chi or Yoga.

In 1996, Falun Gong practitioners started to feel pressure from Chinese officials to disband. It was at that time that Zhang and He applied for their immigration papers to Canada.

"We got our immigration papers July 8, 2000," Zhang said.

But not even two weeks later, her husband was jailed. Zhang waited around, visiting him in jail. But in May, 2001, she had to make a choice.

"My passport would have expired," she said. "If I didn't come (to Canada) I would be in jail too."

When she came to Canada, she settled in Scarborough. Later she moved to the Trinity-Spadina area where she shares a house with other Falun Gong practitioners.

She has left her parents behind. She writes to them occasionally. Even then she fears her mail is being screened.

Her father, a member of the Communist Party in China had practiced Falun Gong also until it was prohibited.

"He was scared, so he stopped," Zhang said.

Zhang has a bachelor's degree in environmental engineering. But here in Toronto, she now works at a clothing manufacturer.

For this religious freedom she has paid a high price. Her husband was coughing up blood the last time she saw him in the prison hospital. She can only write to him now.

"I can't imagine (what it's like for him)," Zhang said. "I've dreamed many times that he is here with me."

She can practice Falun Gong in front of the Legislature buildings at Queen's Park every weekend. In Toronto, there are about 300 practitioners. In China, it is estimated that 70 to 100 million people practice the religion.

It is difficult to track the number of practitioners because there is no membership involved. Falun Gong (or Falun Dafa) is not subscribed to. There is no cost involved.

He should be released from jail in January. However, Zhang fears that it won't be long before he is jailed again, if he doesn't make it to Canada.

Now in her forties, Zhang said she can't go back to China to visit because she could be captured by police.

"They want to send me to brainwashing classes," she said. "Hate propaganda in China has caused fear among its citizens," said Zhang.

Since she has lived in Canada, Zhang can often be found outside the Chinese Embassy silently protesting the detainment of her husband.

She walked from Toronto to Ottawa to collect signatures that she presented to Prime Minister Jean Chretien. She has appealed to the minister of foreign affairs and the Canadian Embassy in China.

Amnesty International has started a letter writing campaign in support of Zhang and her plea to have him liberated. Their website encourages readers to write to the Prime Minister and the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

She has the support of her fellow Falun Gong practitioners.

"We really appreciate the support we get from the community," said Jason Loftus, a Falun Gong Practitioner, who keeps Zhang company during her protests.

On colder days, residents bring by hot coffee for the protesters.