Urgent Media Advisory January 23, 2002

Toronto, January 23^rd - Connie Chipkar, a 61-year-old Mississauga mother has disappeared in China after appealing for Falun Gong in Beijing's Tiananmen Square earlier today. Her son will appeal for his mother's safe return at a press conference today.

Ms. Chipkar's deep concern over the recent escalation of the persecution and murder of her fellow practitioners brought her to China where she planned to appeal to the hearts of Chinese citizens in Tiananmen Square.

In her statement, Ms. Chipkar says, "I know Falun Dafa is good. I've practiced for over 4 years now."

"I appeal to the Chinese citizens. How can you let your beautiful ancient culture be exterminated? How can you let your hearts be destroyed? What evil will our children suffer if Truthfulness-Compassion-Tolerance is exterminated and forbidden from their little hearts? Will you leave them with nothing?"

"We are not on this earth for man to torture other men. It must be stopped. Let everyone know we Canadians support good, peaceful people. I join my fellow practitioners to stand up to protect Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance" not only for Falun Gong practitioners in China but for everyone in the whole world."

Her son Joel Chipkar appealed in Beijing with another 36 western Falun Gong practitioners from over 10 countries last November. The Canadian Embassy and Foreign Affairs have been contacted.

Falun Gong is a cultivation practice that focuses on moral upgrade. Falun Gong was supported and awarded by the Chinese government and media for years until its unprecedented popularity scared the president of China.

Since the brutal crackdown on Falun Gong in 1999 the Chinese president has pumped destructive lies and propaganda around the world to justify his brutal crackdown. His manipulation and brainwashing from mass media and his rule of law that "No means are too excessive to exterminate Falun Gong," has resulted in the murder of hundreds of men women and children and the torture and defamation of millions. In the last 20 days over 30 death cases have leaked from China.

For the past 2 1/2 years the peaceful appeals and determined hearts of Falun Gong practitioners have won support and respect from millions of citizens and governments around the world. The European Parliament and The United States Government have passed resolutions condemning China on its persecution of Falun Gong. Over 600 proclamations of support have been awarded from Mayors across North America as Falun Gong practitioners continue to stand to peacefully protect truth and goodness for their families and for society.