24 Hours Vancouver, Canada: Protesters ready

Protesters worried that Canada will trade away human rights values will hit the streets for Chinese President Hu Jintao's Vancouver visit.

Sue Zhang of Falun Gong says members will protest the religious group's persecution in China and send a message to Canadian government, next Saturday.

"Because of trade, Canada might be reluctant to raise human rights," Zhang said. "We hope Hu Jintao can take the wise step to stop the persecution of Falun Gong and Canadian government can demand China stop this."

However, Zhang dismissed any fears of clashes with authorities protecting Hu.

Andrea Hayley, president of The Chinese Research Association, says China masks human rights abuses to pave the way for Western trade, and she will join protesters publicizing the current Falun Gong suppression.

http://vancouver.24hrs.ca/News/2005/09/12/1212957-sun.html