We are committed to exploring the options presented at this Forum for action against the genocide and international persecution of Falun Gong in China and elsewhere around the globe, and hope to have opportunities to share with the participants of the Stockholm International Forum the information and ideas of the many NGOs and human rights attorneys on an ongoing basis.

We agreed that the continuing persecution of some hundred million Chinese citizens by the government of the People's Republic of China for their moral beliefs is a most serious manifestation of genocide as defined in Article 2 of the 1948 Genocide Convention and is unacceptable in the world today, prejudices the development of cooperation and trust between nations and warrants further efforts by governments with a view to its termination.

U.S. House of Reps. Passes Resolution Urging Censure of China for Human Rights Abuses

The House of Representatives passed resolution H. Res. 530 urging the international community to rebuke the People's Republic of China for a litany of human rights abuses. Yesterday's vote on the resolution was 402-2.

H. Res. 530 urges the Bush Administration to sponsor and aggressively pursue a resolution condemning China for its human rights abuses at the annual meeting of the United Nation's Commission on Human Rights, which will meet later this month in Geneva.

"According to the Department of State, the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, and international human rights organizations, the Government of the People's Republic of China continues to commit well-documented human rights abuses against the Chinese people," states H. Res. 530.

Resolution Highlights Abuse of Falun Gong and the PRC's Shady Activities in the U.S.

H. Res. 530 identified the persecution of Falun Gong as being "particularly harsh."

"Whereas the Government of the People's Republic of China launched a brutal campaign to eradicate Falun Gong from their country [...] since this time large numbers of Falun Gong practitioners have been arrested, subjected to harsh reeducation efforts, and some have even been tortured to death," the resolution reads.

H. Res. 530 also highlights concerns regarding efforts by Chinese officials to stamp out Falun Gong in the United States. "The Federal Bureau of Investigation is currently investigating the possibility of links between attacks against Falun Gong practitioners in the United States and the Government of the People's Republic of China."

U.S. House Calls for Action

Among the actions recommended by H. Res. 530 is the introduction of a resolution at the 60th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Commission in Geneva, Switzerland "calling upon the People's Republic of China to end its human rights violations in China and meet internationally recognized standards for human rights."

In a statement posted on his website, U.S. Congressman Chris Smith -- H. Res. 530's author -- said "We see Falun Gong practitioners who are routinely rounded up and beaten and abused; and hundreds have been tortured to death while held in captivity... already, the PRC is trying to generate favorable public opinion by claiming it will protect human rights and private property rights; but as we have learned over the years, China cannot be trusted to keep its word on human rights. We have a moral duty and obligation to aggressively raise this issue on behalf of the numerous victims who cannot speak for themselves."

Korean Falun Gong Practitioners Charge Chinese Consular Officials with Defamation

Falun Gong practitioner in Seoul, the capital of Korea, filed lawsuits at the Seoul Central Court, charging Li Bin, the Chinese ambassador in Korea, Zhang Xin, the Chinese Consul General and five other Chinese consular officials with defamation.

The Chinese consular officials have published dozens of Falun Gong-slandering articles on their Chinese consulate website. These articles twisted facts, sent misleading information to people and damaged the reputation of Falun Gong and Falun Gong practitioners. Regarding this illegal behavior, the Korea Falun Dafa Association sent a letter to the Chinese consulate on September 24, 2003, urging the defendants to delete all slanderous contents from their website.

The defendants, however, have ignored the request and continued their illegal acts. If the Falun Gong practitioners had allowed the slander to continue, more people would be deceived, making it harder to restore the reputation of Falun Gong and all Falun Gong practitioners, including the plaintiffs. Piao Zhongyuan, as a representative of the Falun Gong practitioners who are defamed, filed a lawsuit against the Chinese consular officials.

This is not the first defamation lawsuit filed by overseas Falun Gong practitioners against Chinese consular officials. Joel Chipkar, a Canadian Falun Gong practitioner filed a lawsuit against Pan Xinchun, the Chinese Deputy Consul General in Toronto, charging him with slander and inciting hatred. On February 3, 2004, judge Harvey Spiegel of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice ruled against Pan Xinchun.

Korean Falun Gong practitioners said the purpose of the lawsuit is to clarify the truth to the judge and other legal officials, to expose the defendants' crime of defaming the plaintiffs, and to prevent them from continuing to promote Jiang's persecution abroad, so people can be saved from Jiang's mind-poisoning lies.

The First Latin America Falun Dafa Experience Sharing Conference Is Held in Argentina

On March 7, the first Latin America Falun Dafa experience sharing conference was held at the First Civic Center in Argentina's capital, Buenos Aires. Practitioners from Argentina, Brazil, Peru, Chile, Venezuela, Santo Domingo, Mexico as well as practitioners from Spain, Canada, France, U.S. and Germany attended.

On March 3, revered Master sent a greeting to the conference and encouraged Latin American practitioners to share experiences, learn from each other, cultivate diligently, do well the three things Dafa disciples should do, and walk well on the path of gods. After hearing Master's words, many practitioners burst into tears. Practitioners are thankful for Master's care and encouragement for Latin American disciples.

During the conference, more than 10 practitioners shared their experiences, several coming to tears for being able to attend this precious conference.

At the end of the conference, practitioners took pictures together to send greetings to Master. Practitioner also sang "Falun Dafa Hao" and "Coming For You" together.

On March 8, all practitioners attended a large group study and discussion. Practitioners planned to hold several activities after the conference and will go to Cordoba, the second largest city of Argentina, to introduce Dafa and clarify the truth.

The Friends of Falun Gong USA Writes Letters to the Largest US Corporations

Friends of Falun Gong USA, a non profit organization dedicated to ending the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners in China, has written letters to more than 1,250 of the largest US corporations. Many of the corporations have business dealings in China and the goal of the letter was to encourage these companies to play no role, direct or indirect in the State-run persecution of Falun Gong.

In the letter, Alan Adler, FoFG executive director, called for companies to educate themselves about the facts of the persecution, asked that they resist pressure from Chinese officials to make their employees to sign "behavioral standard statements, and asked that they seek assurances none of the goods they purchase were made in labor camps.

In addition, Mr. Adler said "we hope that you will play a proactive role in assuring your company plays no part in the persecution of a group of innocent people, and that you will balance well the need to run a successful, profitable business in China with your responsibilities as an American company to advance and protect American values of freedom and human rights."

Voices of Justice

US Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen Writes to Falun Gong Practitioner: "Your Tireless and Resilient Battle Against a Tyrannical Regime Is Both Humbling and Honorable."

I would like to take this opportunity and thank you for your warm letter of encouragement. Your tireless and resilient battle against a tyrannical regime is both humbling and honorable.

As you may know, I have recently introduce legislation in the U.S. Congress that calls for the Government of the People's Republic of China to stop interfering in the exercise of religious and political freedoms within the United States, such as the right to practice Falun Gong, to release prisoners of conscience, end the harassment, detention, physical abuse, and imprisonment of individuals who are exercising their legitimate rights to freedom of religion, of expression, and of association as stated in the PRC Constitution and to demonstrate its willingness to abide by international standards of such freedoms by ceasing to restrict them.

In addition to the aforementioned legislation, H. Con. Res. 304, I have been an ardent supporter of the freedom of expression of all groups and organizations throughout the world.

As you so vividly discuss in your correspondence, organizations throughout the world must understand that forced labor is not acceptable in any nation. The intricate and important balance between corporate responsibility and regulations must be addresses by members of our society.

I would like to thank you once again for your words of encouragement and assure you that I will keep your views in mind should similar issues come before me in Congress in the future.

Sincerely,

Ileana Ros-Lehtinen

Member of Congress

French Internet Security Magazine Denounces Show Trial of Falun Gong Practitioners Who Exposed the Persecution in China On February the 24th 2004, the French magazine "Zatav.com", which is well known in the field of Internet security, published an article denouncing this show trial of Falun Gong practitioners in Chongqing City.

On February 19 2004, a Chongqing court sentenced five practitioners of Falun Gong to prison terms ranging from five to fourteen years for publishing articles on the Internet exposing the Jiang regime's mistreatment and persecution.

The article quoted "Reporters Without Borders", who asked for the immediate release of 22 Falun Gong practitioners imprisoned for publishing information on the Internet: "The repression against the members of this spiritual movement is totally unjustified. Five Internet users were condemned for declaring on the Net what all human rights advocates know for a fact that Falun Gong members are systematically tortured in prison."

Letter to Irish Prime Minister from MEP Patricia McKenna Concerning the Persistent Persecution of Falun Gong Practitioners

24th February 2004

Dear Taoiseach,

Over the past several years the EU-China Human Rights Dialogue has been held in secret without the public having any idea of what was discussed. Why there might be such a lack of transparency is unclear but either way these secret discussions have proven to be totally ineffective in terms of improving the human rights situation in China. The next EU-China Human Rights Dialogue will be held in Dublin on 26th and 27th February and I call on the Irish Presidency to take the innovative step and make the meeting open to the media and the public.

So far the Irish government have shown compassion and understanding of their moral duty in providing asylum to Falun Gong practitioners. The government should however also be voicing strong condemnation of the on-going persecution of Falun Gong in China. According to NGO reports the verified number of deaths of Falun Gong practitioners in China has now reached more than 880 people. New reports of brutal tortures continue to be received everyday from China. The Irish government should use their Presidency of the EU to take a stand and make a strong request urging China to desist in its persistent abuse of Falun Gong practitioners rights immediately.

In recent times a disturbing pattern has started to emerge in Europe whereby the Chinese authorities seem to be influencing EU countries policies towards Falun Gong. In the last few months there have been several serious cases in Iceland, Germany, and France where local police have arbitrarily detained peaceful Falun Gong practitioners. In the past, EU countries have been very supportive in pushing China to improve its human rights record and EU member states should hold tight to this tradition of freedom and respect for human rights. This proud custom should not be compromised for economic and trade interests as seems to be the emerging trend. The rights of Falun Gong practitioners to the freedom of expression, demonstration and their right to attend community cultural events in EU member states should be as equally guaranteed as those rights belonging to other citizens.

I would, therefore, call on you again, Taoiseach, to make this EU-China Human Rights Dialogue an open and transparent event, where the Chinese authorities are held accountable for their persistent persecution of Falun Gong practitioners.

I look forward to a positive response on this matter.

Yours sincerely

Patricia McKenna MEP

France: Delegates at Human Rights Convention in Lyons Express Support for Falun Gong

On February the 21st 2004, French Falun Gong practitioners attended a human rights conference held in the course of the Green Goods Exhibition in Lyons. Amnesty International, The Anti-Torture Organization and the Tibet Association attended this conference.

The conference delegates expressed concerns on the issue of human rights in China, particularly in relation to Falun Gong. Many of them knew what happened during the Chinese New Year in Paris after hearing about it on the TV or radio. Due to lies and pressure created by Jiang's regime, French policemen had treated Falun Gong practitioners in a manner which violated human rights and opposed the founding principles of the French nation. The conference delegates were astonished and indignant about this and felt that this should never have happened in France because France is a country where freedom, democracy and human rights are safeguarded and enshrined.

The delegates thought that this issue must be treated seriously, and expressed that concrete support and help must be given to the Falun Gong human rights issue.

USCIRF calls for U.S. Geneva resolution on China; commends House Resolution on China

On March 3, 2004, USCIRF (United States Commission on International Religious Freedom) had a press release calling for U.S. Geneva resolution on China; commends House Resolution on China. The excerpt is as below.

WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) calls for the United States to introduce a resolution on China at the United Nations Commission on Human Rights in Geneva this month because the Chinese government is continuing to engage in particularly severe violations of human rights, including religious freedom. The USCIRF commends Congressman Chris Smith (R-NJ) and Congressman Tom Lantos (D-CA) for introducing and Congress for overwhelmingly passing House Resolution 530. Resolution 530 urges the U.S. government to take the lead in introducing and organizing multilateral support for a resolution at the 60th Session of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights calling on China to end its human rights violations and meet internationally recognized standards for human rights.

"The overwhelming vote by Congress is important because the Administration has yet to declare whether it will offer a China resolution at Geneva," said USCIRF Chairman Michael Young. "While U.S.-Chinese relations are advancing in other important areas, our dialogue on human rights is stagnant and they have yet to demonstrate a willingness to abide by international human rights norms."

Resolution 530 calls for the Government of the People's Republic of China to end its human rights violations in China and to allow the Chinese people to safely and openly practice their religious beliefs. The Resolution urges the Chinese government to stop its repression of all religious practitioners and safeguard fundamental human rights.

Facts of the Persecution

US Citizen Charles Lee Forced to Do Slave Labor in China

US citizen and Falun Gong practitioner Charles Lee, who is being detained at Nanjing City Prison was recently forced into slave labor in addition to attending brainwashing sessions.

Stuart Pat, spokesman for the Bureau of Consular Affairs, US Department of State, had confirmed that Charles Lee was forced to work in a factory. The officials from the US Department of State had previously said on numerous occasions that they wanted to make sure Charles is not being mistreated and his health is protected.

Ms. Zhang Xuerong, one of the founders of an organization called Friends of Charles Lee based in California said many people in legal circles were shocked to learn that Charles was forced to do slave labor. Some lawyers have volunteered to write letters to the US government and seek help for Charles.

It's a common occurrence in Chinese labor camps that Falun Gong practitioners are forced to perform slave labor. Many of the products made with forced labor are exported to American European and Asian markets at very low prices.

On November 7, 2003, the World Organization to Investigate the Persecution of Falun Gong published an investigative report on Falun Gong practitioners' labor being exploited in Chinese labor camps. The report reveals evidence and facts that some labor camps in China force detained Falun Gong practitioners to do slave labor.

The report also pointed out that slave labor is not only a violation of the detainee's basic human rights, it also brings the persecutors tremendous profit and therefore incites the guards and police officers to further abuse the detainees. Due to their abnormally low prices, the dumping of slave labor products on the international market also has a great impact on the stability of world labor and financial markets.

Because the Chinese government strictly blocks information and prohibits investigations into the persecution, the cases that have been exposed constitute only the tip of an iceberg. More cases are still being investigated.

China: Female Practitioner's Arm and Leg Forced Inside Bags Containing Snakes by Police

My name is Pan Juying, a female Falun Gong practitioner in Anlu City, Hubei Province. Because I refused to renounce Falun Gong, I was inhumanly tortured by the authorities who were plotting to cause me to suffer a mental collapse then frame Falun Gong for my condition. However before the authorities could succeed with their plan, I decided to leave home, in order to protect Falun Gong and my family from being implicated.

After being arrested and tortured on different occasions, I was abducted again by the police in Anlu City on August 9, 2000. They kept me awake for 6 days and 5 nights. They also tortured me using other methods. My hands were cuffed and my legs tied. Ice was used to freeze me and a cigarette lighter to burn my face. They pushed me to the floor and stepped on my ankle and toes. Policeman Ke Jicheng hung me up from a hook from the ceiling fan with only one foot touching the floor. On August 11, policeman Chen Xinyun brought in two poisonous snakes and let them sliter on part of my body. Then he stuffed my hand into one of the sacks holding one snake and one of my legs into another sack holding another snake in order to terrorize me. I could feel the icy-coldness of the snake slitering over my feet.

In November 2000, Anlu City Police Department sentenced me to two years at Hubei Shayang Forced Labor Camp. I was not admitted due to my physical condition.

On March 2, 2003, Anlu City Public Security Bureau once again came to my home to arrest me. Even an old lady who was the gatekeeper said, "What did she do? She did not even go out. Why did you take her away?" But I was detained at Anlu City Detention Center. I protested vehemently against the persecution of me during the past few years. On March 4, I was sent home. But the director of the local 610 Office announced that if they catch me again, I would have to serve a prison term and that it did not matter if I died.

On May 20, 2003, I was again taken to Anlu City Detention Center. The police political instructor at the detention center beat me. I went on a hunger strike to protest and was force fed and given intravenous injections until they no longer worked after a number of attempts. Fearing that I might die, they released me.

That was not the end of the persecution. On September 28, 2003, the newly appointed Party Secretary of the Political and Legal Commission sent people to my home to arrest me again.

My repeated imprisonments caused my family and children tremendous pain. As I was forced to become homeless, leaving my home of 40 years, to protect my family from harassment and being implicated.

I want to tell those who tortured me: Please do not hurt these kind-hearted people any more. I also wanted to tell Jiang's followers: Please wake up. Good will be rewarded with good and evil will be rewarded with evil. History has demonstrated this principle.

Practitioner from Japan, Ms. Yoko Kaneko, Recalling the Tortures of Falun Gong Practitioners in the Beijing Police Hospital, China

By Yoko Kaneko

In the Tenth Ward, located in a basement of the Beijing Police Hospital, the police and doctors were together to torture Falun Gong practitioners. Every day, they chained one leg of the practitioners to a bed and force-fed them. If practitioners refused to be force fed, all of their four limbs would be chained to the bed for several days.

One female practitioner had been on a hunger strike for three months. The police there often tortured her. She was on the verge of death.

Another 64-year-old female practitioner was sent to a mental hospital in 2000 where she was persecuted for a year and a half. Every day she was injected with unknown drugs. After she was released from the mental hospital, she was sent straight to a detention center. The elderly lady had high blood pressure, her four limbs could not stop shaking and she was in very bad shape. Later she was sent to the police hospital to be further tortured. She was force-fed. But she firmly resisted. Several nurses worked together, but still failed to insert the tube into her stomach. Later, the doctor came to insert the tube in person, with dozens of policemen restraining the elderly lady tightly. The lady struggled for about one hour until she was exhausted. Only then did they insert the tube into her stomach. Several days later, the police announced (verbally, without showing any legal document) that she was sentenced to one and a half years of labor reeducation and they sent her to a forced labor camp.

There was another female practitioner who refused the injection of unknown drugs. The police then shackled all four of her limbs to a bed. She bit at the needle and wouldn't let go. The police then tried hard to open her mouth, but they failed. Later the police used handcuffs to pry open her teeth, causing three of her teeth to break. She had blood all over her mouth.

China: Police Savagely Attack and Sexually Assault Female Falun Gong Practitioners

The Hanzhong City Detention Center in Shanxi Province, under the operation of the 610 Office, used criminals like drug addicts, drug dealers, prostitutes, thieves, robbers, and swindlers to brutally torture Dafa disciples.

On June 18, 2002, Ms. Yu Xiuqin was arrested by the police because she was photocopying Falun Gong articles. The police tried to force her to answer their questions by fiercely kicking Yu's knees, pushing her back and forth, and hitting her hard on her back. Afterwards, they handcuffed her to the windowsills outside. The next day, after beating her up badly for a whole day, the police sent her into the detention center.

In the detention center, the police savagely tortured Yu Xiuqin. They pulled her hair, slapped her face, rubbed her chest with their elbows, pounded her back with their knees, hit her bottom with shoe soles, and pushed her to the ground and stomped on her. They ordered the drug addicts to beat her together. Anyone who refused to do so would be beaten. Two of Yu's ribs were broken, and she fainted because it was so painful. Then, they used a towel to cover her mouth, and poured the instant noodle seasoning water into her nose to force her to sit up. The guard did not stop them, but verbally abused Ms. Yu and openly supported the wicked people. Later on, they transferred Yu to another cell. There they took turns squishing her breasts with their hands. It was so painful that her tragic shriek echoed for a long time.

Yu Xiuqin's breasts were squished so hard that blood dripped from her nipples, while those savage thugs laughed obscenely. They also used toothbrushes to brush her private parts, and they stabbed toothbrushes into her vagina and stirred violently until she had only one breath left.

When the police saw that she was dying, they then informed the family and forced them pay a 1,000-Yuan fine to bail her out. It was July 19 when they finally released Yu Xiuqin, who had been tortured so severely that her face was distorted, her body was black and blue all over with countless scars and fractured ribs.

Media Reports and Opinions

Reporters Without Borders: Fourteen Years Jail Sentence for Posting an Article Online

You might try to figure out what kind of government would hand out such a severe punishment to their cyber dissidents? Of course, it has to be China. Five practitioners of Falun Gong, a Chinese spiritual movement, were sentenced to jail on the 19th of February 2004, ranging from five to fourteen years in prison, for helping to post news on a web site about ill-treatment in prison of a female undergraduate student, a practitioner of Falun Gong.

Reporters Without Borders (Reporters Sans Frontieres) has exposed and condemned the jail sentences handed out by Court No.1 in western Chongqing. In its verdict, the court said that the report published online "tarnished the image of the government by broadcasting fabricated stories of persecution suffered by Falun Gong practitioners."

"The crackdown of members of this spiritual movement is completely unjustified," said a reporter of the RSF group. "The five Internet-users were convicted for posting online what is already very well known to human rights organizations, that members of Falun Gong are systematically tortured in prison."

"Lu Zengqi, accused of writing the incriminating document, and Yan Qiuyan, who was said to have helped him publish the article, were both sentenced to ten years in jail. Li Jian, who reportedly posted an article on a site run by the movement, was sentenced to thirteen years in prison. Chen Shumin, head of the company where Lu Zengqi worked, was jailed for fourteen years. Yin Yan was sentenced to five years but without any evidence being given of the part he played."

The Emory Wheel: Chinese government releases Atlanta resident after 3 years

March 02, 2004

A woman imprisoned by the Chinese government for advocating a banned spiritual practice was freed in January following an international uproar that included a Student Government Association bill calling for her release.

Zhou Xuefei, an Atlanta resident and Falun Gong practitioner, was sentenced to work at a Chinese labor camp for three years after she was arrested for handing out pamphlets advocating the spiritual practice during a visit to China in 2000. She was released from prison Jan. 13 and is still in China today.

Emory's SGA became involved in the matter after Xuefei's husband, Georgia resident Sam Lu, asked then-SGA President Chris Richardson ('03C) to propose a bill to SGA asking for her release. Then-SGA vice president Jason Miller ('03C) wrote a letter to the U.S. ambassador in Beijing requesting Xuefei's release.

The Georgia House of Representatives passed a similar initiative, and the U.S. Department of State placed political pressure on the Chinese government to release her. Human rights organizations across the globe were also involved in the case.

Lu described harsh conditions at labor camps, saying he believed his wife had been tortured.

"[Our] phone calls were monitored, so she could not tell me the details, but I believe she was electrically shocked," he said. "One day, when she was [reflecting] on [the camp], she could not help sobbing."

Lu said all media in China is controlled by the Communist regime, which frequently persecutes Falun Gong practitioners and imprisons them in labor camps.

He said his wife's sentence expired in November, but she was detained two extra months for refusing to give up her beliefs.

"In the labor camp, that's normal," Lu said. "Almost every practitioner who fails to give up their belief gets extended sentences."

In order to subdue a perceived threat, the Chinese government has long persecuted practitioners of the banned spiritual practice, which focuses on physical and mental exercises.

Lu said that because his wife was not allowed to send or receive letters during her imprisonment, he was unable to communicate with her until the embassy in Beijing took action. He recalled giving the ambassador a letter to give to his wife. At the same time, Emory students were also sending their hopeful messages for her to the Chinese ambassador.

After Xuefei was released, the Chinese government quickly succumbed to American political pressure and issued her a passport. Lu acknowledged the Chinese government had insisted that Xuefei, who is a Chinese citizen, divorce him.

"They want [my mother-in-law] to convince my wife to divorce me so that she can't come to the U.S. and expose the conditions in the labor camps," he said. "My mother-in-law avoids persecution by trying to convince her daughter."

Xuefei is waiting for her visa so she can join her husband. They do not have any children.

Lu said the whole process has been significantly hastened because her case has drawn international attention. Usually, it takes about a year, he said, but Xuefei will get money to get a visa in about 10 days.

VOA: US Likely to Sponsor UN Resolution Criticizing China Human Rights Record, Says Powell

Secretary of State Colin Powell told Congress Wednesday the United States is likely to sponsor a resolution critical of China at the upcoming meeting of the United Nations Human Rights Commission. He spoke as the House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved a resolution urging the Bush administration to take such action at the U.N. meeting, which opens in Geneva March 15.

The United States broke with an informal tradition last year by not sponsoring a China resolution, hoping that Beijing would carry on with what U.S. officials said was "incremental but unprecedented" human rights progress in 2002.

But the State Department, in its annual human rights report last week, said China regressed on the human rights front last year, citing among other things, arrests of democracy activists and continued repression of Tibetans and [practitioners] of the Falun Gong spiritual movement.

In testimony to the House Appropriations Committee, Secretary Powell said he has yet to make a recommendation to President Bush on the issue of a China resolution, but he left little doubt as to what the decision will be.

"We are disappointed by the back-sliding we have seen in the area of human rights in China over the past year," he said. "We've taken this up directly with Chinese authorities. I've spoken with my colleague about it, and we have engaged the Chinese at every level. Assistant Secretary Lorne Craner has been at it again in recent weeks. And we'll be making a decision within the next week or so. And they have not improved on their human rights record in the way that we were expecting, and that kind of gives you some sense of the direction we're heading."

Mr. Powell spoke shortly after the House of Representatives, by an overwhelming vote of 402-2, approved a resolution calling on the Bush administration to support a China measure in Geneva.

The chief sponsor of the non-binding measure, New Jersey Republican Chris Smith, said China has used parliamentary maneuvers in the U.N. commission six times in the past to block language critical of its rights record. But he said the United States has a "moral duty and obligation" to raise issue anyway.

Another supporter, Minnesota Democrat Betty McCollum, said the U.S. decision last year not to press a resolution critical of China was a "profound mistake" that was taken by China as a sign of weakness.

At the hearing, ostensibly on the State Department budget, Mr. Powell said he had "no illusions about the nature of the Chinese regime."

But he also said the Bush administration has been able to speak "openly and candidly" with Chinese leaders over differences on human rights and weapons proliferation, and they have worked together on others, including North Korea and its nuclear program.

Beaumont Enterprise (Texas, USA): Peaceful Practice

March 3, 2004

It is a practice of meditation and exercises with teachings based on the values of truthfulness, compassion and forbearance, but in one country, the practice of Falun Gong is persecuted.

This is what has bothered Joy Zhou of Orange for a year now.

This exercise, also known as Falun Dafa, has been known to relieve stress and anxiety, increase energy and vitality and improve physical health as well.

The ancient practice, originally taught in private, was first introduced to the public in 1992 by Li Hongzhi in China.

The exercise is practiced in 50 countries around the world.

Mr. Li Hongzhi has received hundreds of awards and proclamations from government officials throughout North America for the benefits Falun Gong has brought to those who practice it and the communities in which they live. Mr. Li was also nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2000 and 2001.

But in July 1999, Chinese president, Jiang Zemin, banned the practice viewing its popularity as a threat to his power.

This is a concern to Zhou because she practices Falun Gong.

Zhou was born and raised in China and came to the United States with her husband in 1998 to attend college.

While they lived in Houston, Zhou continued her practice of Falun Gong.

One of her friend's finance Charles Li, a Falun Gong practitioner and a U.S. citizen from Menlo Park, Calif., was arrested in China Jan. 22, 2003.

"He had gone to China to celebrate the Chinese New Year and was arrested upon arrival," she said.

"He had also planned to broadcast information about the Falun Gong persecution."

He was charged with attempting to broadcast information on state-run television about the persecution of Falun Gong and was sentenced in March 2003 to three year in prison

Zhou said she believes Li was on a black list and other natives of China, like herself, who practice Falun Gong may also be on the list as well.

"While I was living in Houston I received a call one day from the Chinese Consulate asking me why I practiced Falun Gong," she said.

"I can not go back to China or I will be arrested. I know it."

These events have inspired Zhou and she has put together a small photo exhibit, which shows what Falun Gong is and what some of the consequences people in China face if they practice it.

She and her husband are also working to free Li from prison.

Zhou said according to reports from the U.S. Consulate in Shanghai, Li is tortured whenever he tries to practice the peaceful meditation.

Zhou said she cannot understand why people in China are persecuted for practicing a peaceful exercise which she said has great health results.

Her uncle Decheng Zhou, a high ranking official in China, had become sick with cancer. During his illness he began to practice Falun Gong and later doctors discovered his cancer was gone.

Because of his high ranking, he was not subjected to the same treatment others have experienced, but was shown a number of programs denouncing Falun Gong.

Zhou said her efforts are not political but rather focus on human rights.

"What happened to Li is political," she said. "We're doing in not. This is a human rights issue."

Zhou said many of the residents throughout the area, which she has talked to have called Charles Li a hero for upholding his beliefs.

Zhou said there are two things they want everyone to understand.

"First we want to let people know this is an exercise not a religion," she said. "Second, people need to know just how brutal the persecution of those who practice Falun Gong in China is."

Zhou said since she's begun her efforts, she has seen more than 1,000 proclamations calling for the release of Li and believes her efforts are worthwhile.

"There is an old Chinese proverb which says, 'evil is rewarded with evil, but good is rewarded with good,'" she said.

Zhou will be at Doornbos Park in Nederland on Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. with her photo exhibit of Falun Gong. She will also hand out post cards addressed to the president informing him of what has happened to Li in hopes the government will work to have him released.

Falun Gong Practitioners' Personal Experience

Illnesses I Suffered for 20 Years Disappear in Just Half a Month of Practicing Falun Gong

By a practitioner in China

In 1997, I was told by the hospital that I had a thyroid tumor. The doctor said that because the tumor was close to my nerves, it would be difficult to perform an operation, so we could only try to treat it as it was. I became very upset when I heard the news, and because of this mental pressure, my heart disease also worsened. I felt helpless and without hope. I felt like if I closed my eyes I would not be able to wake up again. I had to force myself to remain alert no matter how weak I felt. My legs and back were in great pain.

When I gave birth to my son 20 years ago, I began to suffer from back pain. It was even difficult to turn my back, and sometimes I could not even sleep due to the pain in my legs. At the same time, I also suffered from hepatitis, and it had become chronic hepatitis because it had not been treated in time, so I had difficulty eating. I also suffered from bone spurs, gastritis, a breast tumor, and other ailments. I tried to see many different doctors and tried many healing methods in order to relieve some pain, but none of the treatments were effective. I had completely lost hope.

At that time my friends told me to practice Falun Gong. When I opened up Zhuan Falun, every sentence appealed to me, I wondered why I had come to know this book so late, why I didn't read it earlier. Then I started to practice the exercises according to pictures in the book.

The only thought I had was to quickly read the book more and learn the exercises. Half a month went by quickly and I learned how to do the exercises. Then I suddenly remembered about my tumor. I touched it to see how big it was, but it was no longer there. It had disappeared mysteriously. All of the other illnesses that I had, such as heart disease, also disappeared. All of the illnesses that had plagued me over the past 20 years were gone in only half a month of practice. Now, my body felt light and I was disengaged from pain and agony. I cannot use any words to describe my feelings of joy, excitement, and gratitude towards Master. Since then I have never been hospitalized again nor have I needed any medication. I have saved a lot of medical expenses for our country. This is the true story of how Falun Dafa has given me a second life.

2004-2-12

A Couple's Story: Recovery from Serious Illnesses by Practicing Falun Gong

My son and I are engineers, and my wife is a medical doctor. We should have lived a happy life. However, we could not, because of my hepatitis B. I was very weak, my face appeared yellowish and pale, and I was very skinny. I almost always threw up everything that I ate, and sometimes it felt like my stomach was being pulled out. I was concerned about spreading this disease to other members of my family, and also afraid that other people would learn that I had hepatitis. I spent so much money trying to cure it, but it was all in vain. It seemed like my illness had no cure in this world.

In 1995, I happened to read a copy of the revised edition of China Falun Gong at a friend's house. One year later, all my family members were fortunate enough to begin practicing Falun Gong. I read Zhuan Falun again and again in order to raise my mind nature and acted according to the standards of "Truthfulness -- Compassion -- Forbearance." At first, aside from the hepatitis that I had, there was also some kind of tumor under my armpit that I had already scheduled to have it removed by surgery. However, after doing Falun Gong exercises for more than 20 days, when I was changing clothes, I found that the lump had disappeared. I was so surprised, and said to myself, "It's really gone!" After that, I went to see the doctor. My doctor confirmed it and repeatedly said, "Practicing Falun Gong really can heal illnesses. It is unbelievable, and truly amazing."

Within almost one year of practicing Falun Gong, gradually I could eat all foods. My body became stronger every day. I gained some weight, while my complexion improved as well. I truly appreciate the wonder of being illness-free. Later, through a physical checkup at my workplace, they found that my hepatitis was completely cured. My whole family was happy to the point of tears. Then I was able to go on business trips with some managers in my organization. Everywhere we went, I introduced Dafa to people. So many people learned about Falun Dafa and started practicing it from my trips to many different places. Moreover, every time I stayed in a hotel, my superiors would assign a room for me to stay by myself so that I would not be disturbed while I did the exercises. I held myself to the standards of Dafa, cultivated my heart and mind to be a good person, and did my work well. Thus I attended many meetings for proclamations of individuals' excellent performance and was rewarded with many honorable titles.

As for my wife, she used to have a tumor in her womb. When her menstruation stopped for three months, her doctor joked with her by saying that she might be pregnant. He had her do a B-Ultrasound test. The test results showed that there was a tumor in her womb the size of an egg yolk. My wife decided to go home and practice Falun Gong and hold herself to the standards of "Truthfulness -- Compassion -- Forbearance." After she had been doing Falun Gong exercises on and off for almost two months, my wife started to bleed every 3 to 4 days as if she were menstruating. Others found it amazing, as even in this situation her complexion was still good. After less than three months, out of curiosity, my wife's coworkers pushed her to get another ultrasound test at the hospital. Her tumor had disappeared. Amazed, they looked at each other, and then patted her shoulders and said with a smile, "Ms. Zhang, no wonder this Qigong exercise is so truly good. Now it makes sense that Falun Gong is so famous." This story caused quite a stir in the hospital. Subsequently, local doctors started advising patients with difficult to cure illnesses to try practicing Falun Gong. Some doctors not only started to learn Falun Gong themselves, but also told their relatives and close friends to practice it.

Since Falun Gong began to be spread, all it has brought to the public are benefits. Falun Gong plays a positive role in improving society and elevating the moral standard. But out of jealousy, Jiang used his power to persecute Falun Gong, thus committing a tremendous crime against the world. Let's remember this old Chinese saying: "Good is rewarded with good, and evil will meet with retribution."

The People Awaken to the Truth

Story from China: Police Quietly Return Confiscated Falun Dafa Tapes

Zhou Qingguang is from the Chengguang security office in Yuangyang County, Henan Province. On New Year's Eve, he went to harass Falun Gong practitioners and took confiscated several Falun Dafa lecture and exercise tapes. The following morning, one practitioner got up early and went to Zhou's home to clarify the truth to his family members. She told Zhou's father, daughter-in-law and other family members that Falun Dafa is good, how practicing Dafa cured all her diseases, and that Teacher taught us to be good people. She also told Zhou's father that his son had confiscated her Falun Dafa tapes.

As she was leaving, Zhou's father said: "It is all the fault of Jiang's regime!" Perhaps this father persuaded his son. Zhou Qingguang returned the tapes secretly later that evening.

China: Residents of a Village Protect Falun Gong Practitioners from Unjust Police

The true story happened in Huaiyang County, Henan Province. On January 20, 2004 villagers were preparing for the Chinese New Year. The spirit of the holiday was present everywhere. Policewomen came to a village in Zhuji Town to arrest practitioners. The police tried to arrest Falun Gong practitioners in their homes, and wanted to drag them into the police cars.

Because it was the Chinese New Year Holiday, many young people who were doing business out of town had come back home. In an instant, people stood in circles, surrounding the police cars. Some villagers pulled the practitioners back, some villagers reasoned with the police. The police hesitated and their hold on the practitioners loosened. Practitioners immediately escaped and disappeared. The police, feeling dejected, went back to the cars and drove away. The villagers cheered and scolded the police.