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BRUSSELS -- They were standing in a long line in front of the Chinese Embassy in Brussels. There were a few banners and signs, but the spiritual exercises caught most of the attention. With this demonstration, Falun Gong practitioners in Belgium were trying to expose the persecution of their fellow practitioners in China.

Falun Gong is a spiritual practice consisting of five exercises which help lead to a healthy body and mind. The practice has spread all over the world, but is especially popular in China. This popularity was very disturbing in the eyes of the Chinese President Jiang Zemin.

Two years ago Jiang Zemin prohibited the spiritual movement in China. The start of this prohibition was attended by a bloody persecution.

According to a spokesperson of Falun Gong Belgium, between July 1999 and June 2001, "about 10,000 practitioners were sent to labor camps and 252 were tortured to death."

"Falun Gong is based on the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion and Forbearance. The Chinese government states that these principles are not consistent with communism," says a flyer about the movement.

"Yet the Chinese government itself is divided," said a spokesperson. "The movement in China has adherents in all layers of society. It is mainly the president who is the driving force behind the repression. He was frightened by the fact that there were more Falun Gong practitioners in China than members of the XX Party." It is said that about 70 million Chinese follow the spiritual practice.

With their demonstration in front of the Chinese Embassy, the activists wanted to appeal to the public.

Earlier, the Embassy refused a dialogue with the activists.

"By our actions we want people to know the truth and inform them," said a spokesperson.

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Source: De Standard, July 20, 2001.