December 5, 2001

(Clearwisdom.net) At a Falun Dafa press conference in Vienna on December 7, 2001, the representative of the Religious Union Action Group of Amnesty International (Austria), Dr. Norbert Riccabona, read a statement regarding the persecution of Falun Gong in China. A translation is as follows (Original text in German):

Amnesty International has been watching with increasing sorrow and concern the gruesome persecution of Falun Gong practitioners in China.

We are concerned about the recurring, never-ending reports of torture. Amnesty International is intervening against torture worldwide and is presently promoting an "Act against Torture" campaign. Amnesty International views the Falun Gong as a non-violent movement, one whose followers are persecuted because of their belief system and convictions.

That is the particular reason why the Religious Union Action Group at Amnesty International is intervening on their behalf, including sponsoring a "Candle of Hope" vigil. But it is not only limited to that. This action will raise awareness for these victims in churches and with members of the Religious Union.