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OTTAWA, July 6 Gerry Smith, an Ottawa Falun Gong practitioner and Nortel Networks employee, started a 300-hour round-the-clock sit-in in front of the Chinese Embassy in Ottawa. He will stay there until July 20th.

He said, "I am upset by the unrelenting and escalating torturing and murdering in China. I can no longer tolerate such blatant crimes against these good people. We must stop the madness and genocide in China now!"

He was shocked and distressed by the recent news that 15 female practitioners were tortured to death at a Chinese labour camp and fears the worst is yet to come.

"When I hear there are plans to suffocate practitioners who do not renounce Falun Gong by July 20th, I know that the situation is most desperate and we need to act now! This is why I am going to the Chinese Embassy."

He continued, "On the other side of the world Falun Gong practitioners are living in hell. They have endured so much and we need to stand with them to protect the universal principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Tolerance."

He appeals: "All kind-hearted people please join us by appealing in front of your local Chinese Embassy or Consulate until China stops the persecution and frees Falun Gong practitioners and frees Falun Gong."

July 20th marks the 2-year anniversary of the Chinese president's outlawing of Falun Gong.

Today, Falun Dafa Information Center reported 4 more deaths of Falun Gong practitioners who were in police custody in China. This new report brings the number of Falun Gong practitioners killed to 252.

Falun Gong, also known as Falun Dafa, is a meditation and exercise system guided by the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Tolerance. The peaceful actions of Falun Gong practitioners around the world have gained support from governments and citizens worldwide.

Media interview available

What : Round the clock sit-in

Time : 24-hours a day until at least July 20

Place : In front of the Chinese Embassy (515 St. Patrick St.) in Ottawa