AP: Iceland Sends Police Abroad in Effort To Stop Falun Gong

Associated Press Friday, June 14, 2002

REYKJAVIK, Iceland, June 13 -- Iceland sent police officers to Boston and three European cities today to try to prevent Falun Gong members from flying here on Icelandair while China's president is visiting.

Iceland banned visits by Falun Gong members June 7-18 in an effort to prevent large demonstrations against Jiang Zemin, who arrived here today.

News media reported Wednesday that the ban had been lifted. But the government said they had misinterpreted a statement about the release from police custody of more than 65 suspected Falun Gong members detained at Iceland's Keflavik Airport.

China banned Falun Gong in 1999, calling it a threat to communist rule and a cult that has caused 1,700 deaths. Falun Gong followers say it is a peaceful meditation movement that builds health.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A48405-2002Jun13.html