HONG KONG, July 20 (UPI) -- More than 1,200 Falun Gong supporters rallied in Taiwan and Hong Kong Sunday, calling for an end to China's persecution of the [group].

Peaceful demonstrations marked the fourth anniversary of Beijing's ban of Falun Gong, a meditation [group], Voice of America reported.

About 200 protesters in yellow shirts walked through downtown Hong Kong and held a meditation session in front of the government headquarters, VOA said.

In Taiwan, about 1,000 people marched in the southern port city of Kaoshiung. Organizers called on the international community to help stop the persecution of its members on mainland China.

The [group] claims more than 700 of its members have been tortured to death, but the government has denied mistreating the prisoners.

Falun Gong remains legal in Hong Kong, even though it has reverted from British to Chinese rule.

http://washingtontimes.com/upi-breaking/20030720-065659-2847r.htm