Former Resident of Hong Kong Speaks at Falun Gong Press Conference in San Francisco on July 31, 2002

Ladies and gentlemen:

Today I am calling attention to the unjust trial of the 16 peaceful Falun Dafa practitioners by the Hong Kong government, 12 of whom are Hong Kong residents and 4 Swiss citizens. From the video footage and photos taken at the scene, it is quite obvious that the accusations that Falun Gong practitioners blocked the street and assaulted police are groundless.

First of all, let me point out that Falun Gong encourages its practitioners to abide by the principles of "Truthfulness, Compassion and Tolerance" in their daily lives, and this is the reason why the practitioners remain peaceful even when they are faced with brutal persecution.

The action taken by the Hong Kong government this time has put the international community on high alert to the intention of the Jiang regime to export its unlawful suppression of the Mainland Falun Gong practitioners to Hong Kong, which is supposed to enjoy freedom under the "one country, two systems" policy. Meanwhile, citizens of Hong Kong should not ignore the fact that everyone's basic rights and freedom are being violated, which hurts Hong Kong's international image.

I lived in Hong Kong for more than 30 years. I started practicing Falun Gong in 1995 and benefited a great deal from it. I care about both the freedom to practice Falun Gong and the future of Hong Kong.

In Hong Kong's growth from a small island to a world-famous metropolis, freedom of speech and judicial justice have played a key role. These two factors have brought about the confidence of the residents in their government, diligence and peace of mind at work, and social stability. A stable, free and lawful environment naturally attracts a large number of international investors, which is why Hong Kong has enjoyed a long period of peace and prosperity and why Hong Kong has become the economic marvel that everybody is fond of talking about.

If the most precious freedoms of speech and justice are damaged, international investors will move to other places to protect their own interests--and that is absolutely not what Hong Kong's people want.

To maintain a peaceful, prosperous society, and a free lifestyle, I again urge everyone to not treat with indifference the persecution of the Falun Gong practitioners, because the Jiang regime's extreme and irrational persecution of innocent people may eventually also fall upon you.

Thank you.