BEIJING, Mar 3, 2001 -- (Agence France Presse) Security on Beijing's central Tiananmen Square was tight Saturday with police on the look out for protests by the outlawed Falun Gong spiritual group as China's annual legislative session opened.

Police vans were seen slowly circulating around the massive square like they have done for much of the 19-month crackdown on the group.

Human rights groups and Falun Gong officials said that many followers were required to attend "education" classes set up by the government.

"The government has set up 'study sessions' in Beijing during the legislative session so known Falun Gong practitioners are supposed to be going to them," Frank Lu, of the Hong Kong-based Information Center for Human Rights and Democracy told AFP.

"This could be a reason why not many protesters are showing up on Tiananmen Square," he said.

The square was closed as the Chinese People's Political Cosnultative Conference (CPPCC) opened Saturday afternoon, while the more powerful National People's Congress opens on Monday.

Last year Falun Gong followers from around the country flocked to Beijing before and during the 10-day meeting seeking to formally petition the ban against them. Thousands were detained and prevented from lodging protests.

"The security is too tight, its impossible for them to get to the square or even to Beijing," said Sophie Xiao, a Falun Gong spokeswoman in Hong Kong.

"The are using every means possible to prevent members from traveling to Beijing during the 'two meetings'," Xiao said.

Police began massive arrests of Falun Gong followers two weeks ago ahead of a visit by the International Olympic Committee team evaluating Beijing's bid to host the 2008 Olympic Games, she said.

On Thursday, courts in Beijing sentenced 37 members of the group to prison terms ranging from three to 10 years for their activities. ...

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