(Minghui.org) It has been more than 11 years since the “Tiananmen Self-immolation” unfolded on Tiananmen Square in January 2001, a horrific event that created repercussions which still resonate worldwide – with tragic consequences in China. The incident served to turn public opinion in China against Falun Gong, which was at the time the target of an unpopular persecution by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Under a media blitz of grisly footage of the event, with reports claiming that the teachings of Falun Gong were responsible for the tragedy, misunderstandings and mistrust of Falun Gong ensued throughout China and the persecution gained steam.
While the self-immolation has been clearly exposed worldwide to be a CCP fabrication created to frame Falun Gong, sadly, in China many people still believe the hoax and continue to harbor misunderstandings about the peaceful spiritual practice that has been embraced worldwide.
A number of media reports have been published exposing the self-immolation hoax, including articles in the Washington Post and the National Review. Among the best of the media exposing the staged self-immolation is the False Fire website, with an excellent documentary that carefully analyzes every aspect of the tragic hoax.