Canadian Practitioners Urge Members of the Legal Profession to Help Protect the Rule of Law in Hong Kong

August 12, 2002

Dear Sir or Madam:

We, a group of Falun Gong practitioners living in Canada, are very concerned that Falun Gong practitioners have been arrested and forced to stand trial for their peaceful Hong Kong appeal against Jiang Zemin's "shoot on sight" order.

We are greatly disheartened to hear these charges. As you may know, Falun Gong practitioners have been suffering so much inside China because of Jiang Zemin's persecution. Hundreds have died as a result of police brutality and torture. Hundreds of thousands have been illegally arrested. There is no place for them to legally appeal in Mainland China. Hong Kong has historically been a land of great freedom and democracy, like Canada and many other countries. Hong Kong law guarantees people the freedom to appeal and protest.

Despite this, people appealing for Falun Gong in Hong Kong have been arrested and charged. We are shocked, as are people in many other countries around the world. We can clearly see that these charges result from heavy pressure from Jiang Zemin trying to extend his persecution of Falun Gong beyond China's borders. If his plot succeeds, it will not only be these practitioners, but all of the people of Hong Kong who will suffer the consequences of lost freedoms.

We hope the legal system in Hong Kong will not bow to the influence of Jiang's regime, and we appeal you, professionals in the legal system, to closely watch this case and ensure that true justice is served.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

A Group of Falun Dafa practitioners in Canada