(Minghui.org) Beijing's trial of four Falun Gong students on December 26 is a mockery of its self-claimed “rule of law.” In this show trial, which was closed to the public, only one family member of each defendant was allowed to attend. The officials prevented foreign media from reporting it. No details on the trial were released.

On June 10, 1998, Beijing's No. 1 Intermediate People's Court issued a notice, stating that any Chinese citizen over 18 years old can attend trials. Yet, in this Falun Gong case, the court violated its own rule. What does the Chinese government want to hide?

The trial was scheduled in a rush, without advance notice, on a day immediately following the Christmas holiday, to exclude foreign reporters. The charges lodged against the four were for exercising their fundamental rights of freedom of belief, freedom of association, and freedom of assembly, all of which are guaranteed by the constitution. Other than exercising their constitutional rights, the four practitioners have done nothing else and have violated no Chinese law.

This show trial is an indication that the Chinese government has no intention of abiding by its own constitution or of respecting the United Nations' Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Disregarding the will of the Chinese people, it does not dare let them to become aware of the facts. This reminds people of the Great Cultural Revolution, the tragic years when there was no rule of law and no protection of individual freedoms.

We appeal to the international community to condemn the Chinese government's blatant violation of international conventions and human rights.

Falun Gong is a traditional cultivation practice based on the nature of the universe – Truthfulness-Benevolence-Forbearance. It is peaceful and has no political agenda. It has helped hundreds of millions restore their health and improve their moral standards.

For the benefit of the Chinese people, the Chinese leadership, and people around the world, we appeal to governments of all countries to help stop the suppression of Falun Gong in China, and we urge those governments to hold dialogs with Falun Gong and help to resolve the Falun Gong issue peacefully.

Minghui Editorial Board December 26, 1999

Published December 26, 1999

Updated September 21, 2003