(Minghui.org) The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has recently tightened the reins on Hong Kong, leaving many people concerned about Falun Gong practitioners' safety.
A Falun Gong practitioner distributes information in front of a display.
In the past week, numerous Falun Gong information booths in Hong Kong have been extensively damaged by pro-CCP thugs. But practitioners bravely continue to inform the public about the spiritual practice and how the CCP persecutes it. This has earned Hong Kong residents' respect. Renowned scholar Joseph Lian praised practitioners for their kindness and perseverance, which he feels offers people a beacon of hope.
According to the Falun Dafa Association (Falun Gong is also known as Falun Dafa), six of its information booths across Hong Kong were vandalized, while more than 10 have been attacked since April 2, 2021. Thugs wielded knives during the attacks, ruining many posters and banners. They poured liquids on elderly practitioners as well as the materials and threatened to set fires. In addition to hurling verbal abuse, they also dumped drinks on practitioners.
Practitioners hope governments and individuals worldwide will take notice and help to protect basic human rights and freedom of belief.
Former Columnist: Enlightenment for All of Us
Joseph Lian, professor at the University of Yamanashi and former columnist for the Hong Kong Economic Journal, said the CCP has always viewed Falun Gong as a thorn in its eye. But the peaceful nature and kindness of practitioners are well known, making it difficult for the regime to take action against practitioners.
Joseph Lian, professor at the University of Yamanashi and former columnist for Hong Kong Economic Journal.
After the CCP passed the national security law in Hong Kong on June 30, 2020, several democracy advocates were arrested. Many residents moved their assets out of Hong Kong and emigrated elsewhere. But Falun Gong practitioners have continued their activities to expose the brutal persecution and to help people quit the CCP and its affiliated organizations. The large banner with "Tian mie zhong gong” (Heaven eliminates the CCP) is still on display as usual.
Based on his experience, Lian said the CCP will probably suppress easy targets first before taking on more difficult ones. What Falun Gong practitioners are dealing with is similar to what happened in China when the persecution began. All kinds of violence may follow.
Lian said he admires practitioners' courage and perseverance, and he feels Falun Gong's principles are consistent with the fundamental core of traditional Chinese culture. Although pro-CCP groups have harassed and damaged several information booths, practitioners are able to remain peaceful and rational. Lian said Hong Kong residents can learn from the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance.
“The fundamental faith of practitioners is enlightening,” he added. “Because Falun Gong focuses on compassion, some police officers may realize the national security law is groundless. They may choose to treat detained practitioners well or release them.” Lian said such cultural inner meaning is relatively limited in today's Hong Kong.
Just as Falun Gong practitioners have faith, democracy advocates believe in democracy. But the two are different. The concept of democracy has no roots in traditional culture, which makes it abstract. In fact, many democracy advocates outside China are ideologically weak. Although they promote democracy, Chinese people’s understandings in this area are rather limited. In contrast, what Falun Gong practitioners promote is the best part of traditional Chinese culture, so it is more valuable.
Lawyer: The Darkest Moment and the Brightest Hope
Albert Ho, attorney and former chairman of the Democratic Party, has defended Falun Gong practitioners in numerous lawsuits. These include HKSAR v Yeung May Wan (2005), repatriation lawsuits, the obstruction of Shen Yun performances, and other cases.
Ho said he respects people with faith, including Falun Gong practitioners. He pointed out that even the most peaceful and rational way of safeguarding one’s freedom or faith can be suppressed by a totalitarian regime. As one of the most persecuted groups, he feels bad for the suffering practitioners endure. He said, “We must continue our efforts so that people will gain true freedom.”
Albert Ho is an attorney and former chairman of the Democratic Party.
Regarding the recent vandalism of the information booths, Ho said he is concerned about practitioners' safety. He praised their courage and is confident about the future. “The darkest moments also reveal the brightest hope,” he explained.
He encouraged everyone to be strong. “When we're filled with fear, our only option is to remain silent—as if nothing happened. But this sabotages mankind's dignity, something we should not do.”
Social Media Host: Time Will Reveal Everything
Barry Ma, a renowned social media host, said it is important to maintain the moral basis of a lawful society.
Ma has openly condemned the attacks against Falun Gong practitioners by members of the CCP-backed Hong Kong Youth Care Association. He says the thugs should face consequences. When he noticed practitioners did not fight back when they were beaten and did not protest when they were humiliated, he was very impressed by the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance. During the anti-extradition law movement, he said the Epoch Times, a newspaper run by practitioners, was able to report factually and in a timely manner despite all the challenges. Ma and other Hong Kong residents have witnessed practitioners' great courage.
Barry Ma, a renowned social media host, admires practitioners' courage.
Ma has met several practitioners, including some in their 80s and 90s. Despite their age, they are able to distribute newspapers to inform Hong Kong residents about Falun Gong and the persecution. He believes their good health and energy come from their practice of Falun Gong.
Ma knows that Falun Gong practitioners are not given any financial support. Time has shown that it is their faith that allows them to do the right thing and keep at it.
Pastor: Path To The Future
Alan Keung, a pastor and social media influencer, said he knows Falun Gong practitioners have suffered tremendously. No matter how dire the situation appears, they are able to move forward. Because of this, he admires them and their principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance.
Many Hong Kong residents have observed the CCP’s tactic of confusing the Party’s interests with patriotism. It has suppressed Falun Gong practitioners and infiltrated nearly all professions. But practitioners’ efforts over the past 20 plus years have pointed out a path for Hong Kong residents.
The CCP has taken numerous initiatives in recent years to step up repression in Hong Kong, from the anti-extradition law in 2019 to the national security law last year. The situation has continued to deteriorate this year. Keung said some residents can no longer take the pressure and submit to the CCP.
But Falun Gong practitioners have continued to oppose the persecution and lay bare the Party's brutality. Their kindness and perseverance have shown people a path to the future.
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