(Clearwisdom.net) UK newspaper "Northern Echodated" reported on July 29, 2006 that some Falun Gong practitioners have been to North England to raise awareness of the persecution happening in China.

The article said that a Chinese woman known as Zhen, who fled her homeland to escape torture at the hands of the ruling Communists, is among the group.

Zhen lives in London. She said: "The reason I am on this tour is so that more people can learn about what is happening in China."

They have been to the British Consul in Newcastle and visited politicians and councils in North Yorkshire. They have also launched an online petition for people to sign.

Falun Gong practitioners are arrested in China by the Communist Party, and are subjected to torture and imprisonment for their beliefs.

By 1999, about 100 million people practiced the exercises in China. It has also spread to 70 countries worldwide.

In Britain, a number of people lead classes, including one in Middlesbrough.