Statement by Communications Director of Friends of Falun Gong USA at Philadelphia Press Conference

á[12/01/2002]

Good afternoon and welcome. I am the Communications Director of Friends of Falun Gong USA. Friends of Falun Gong is a nonprofit human rights organization of nearly 1,000 Americans that support the freedom of belief of people who practice Falun Gong. I speak to you today on behalf of our membership and board, made up of persons who are not Falun Gong practitioners. I'd like to thank the Falun Gong practitioners, though, who worked so hard to make today's event possible, and who invited me to host this press conference. Following this, those in attendance will begin a walk through Philadelphia.

We're here today to bring attention to the plight of a Philadelphia family, and that of many other families. Gathered here, as you can see, are hundreds of people who care deeply about those who are being persecuted in China for practicing Falun Gong. As you probably know, Falun Gong is a peaceful meditation practice, and one that has improved the health of many people around the world. Tragically, though, many of these people's sisters, brothers, mothers, children, and even grandparents have been unlawfully detained and tortured in the Chinese government's 3-year-long suppression of the practice. Some of those present here today have even endured torture themselves, and escaped from China thanks to the efforts of caring people.

In a moment you will be hearing from Dr. Michael Yang, of Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. Dr. Yang contacted Friends of Falun Gong a few weeks ago to ask for help. He did so because on October 30, his sister was kidnapped by Chinese police for her practice of Falun Gong. We immediately knew that, because of the many deaths this persecution has caused already, if we did not do something, he might never see her again. So we told Dr. Yang we would do whatever we could to help. We will work together to get her home.

Many many families, like Dr. Yang's, have been in agony because of the Jiang regime's unlawful arrest and torture of their loved ones in China. They have launched a global "family rescue" campaign in hopes of winning the freedom of their family members. Their campaign, of which Dr. Yang is a part, has already born wonderful fruit, as 5 individuals have already been released from custody in China. And more will surely come!

I'd now like to introduce you to Dr. Yang.

(Dr. Yang shares his family's story)

Thank you, Dr. Yang, for sharing your heartfelt story. We know that it is not easy to talk about, but we admire you for doing so.

During this holiday season, as Americans celebrate family, we'd like to ask them to reach out to help reunite families that have been torn apart due to the Jiang regime's persecution of Falun Gong. Friends of Falun Gong USA has launched a campaign on behalf of Jingfang Yang and others, and we encourage the public to join us; many already have. We have begun an online letter-writing campaign to President Bush and Dr. Yang's congressperson, we are funding the printing of materials about these cases and assisting in the dissemination of information, and we are sponsoring more events like this one. We ask all Americans and elected officials, PLEASE lend a hand to help. One small act can make a big difference.

Everyone here today, keep up your wonderful efforts! Keep it up! Your courage and perseverance are sure to turn this situation around. You will save more and more lives, and you've already saved many. Friends of Falun Gong will continue to work with you, side by side.

We'll conclude with a briefing about today's walk from a walk organizer.

Thank you all for coming.