Australian Associated Press: Falun Gong Rejects Embassy Protest Ban

December 6

Falun Gong practitioners have rallied outside Parliament House, in support of moves to lift protest restrictions outside the Chinese embassy.

Protesters are not allowed to use loud speakers or display large banners outside the embassy, under certificates issued by Foreign Minister Alexander Downer since March 2002.

The certificates are issued under regulations to protect the dignity of foreign missions.

The Australian Greens will move a motion in the Senate this afternoon urging the government to stop issuing the certificates.

About 100 Falun Gong practitioners have listened to speeches from pro-democracy activists, who have urged senators to support the Greens motion.

Former Chinese diplomat Chen Yonglin has told the practitioners, he hopes senators will vote on their conscience.

"The limit on the demonstrations in Australia is really a damage to the value of democracy and human rights," he said.

"I know that there are a lot of demonstrations in front of the Chinese overseas missions, but Australia is the only democratic government that tries to limit the demonstrations.

"I believe that this is a shame for democracy."

Former Chinese police officer Hao Fengjun said no matter what the outcome of the Greens motion in the Senate, activists should continue with their work to raise awareness of China's suppression of Falun Gong.

Falun Gong practitioners have been protesting outside parliament since last Monday to mark the last two weeks of parliament for the year.

They've erected a wooden cage with a mock political prisoner inside, watched over by a Chinese guard.