Friends of Falun Gong introduced its global SOS project to "save Falun Gong practitioners from being killed in China" with its sponsorship of the 2001 Global Walk. About 50 Boston Falun Gong practitioners gathered here on this special day to announce the departure of four local Falun Gong practitioners who are embarking on a walk of 450 miles in 25 days to Washington, D.C. in memory of the virtuous efforts of those practitioners who have journeyed to Beijng or undergone severe persecution, and to raise awareness for their plight. They are taking time out from their busy lives and undertaking this arduous journey at their own expense.

A photo display of torture, an exercise practice, and a press conference preceded commencement of the walk on June 26th, observed as United Nations' Interenational Day in Support of Victims of Torture.

During the press conference, Northeast Regional director of Amnesty International Josh Rubenstein gave a sincere speech condemning countries around the world that torture their own people, especially China. Mr. Rubenstein urged us to take action in stopping the persecution of Falun Gong by exposing the facts of the torture to the public. Mr. Rubenstein pointed out that the international community has the obligation to help Falun Gong practitioners to stop the Chinese government from killing and torturing.

Media reporters from The Boston Globe, Boston Metro, AP, World journal, and WBUR attended the morning's events.