Taiwan: West Line Team of Bicycle Tour Around Taiwan Arrives at Taoyuan (Photos)

(Clearwisdom.net) On October 30, 2003, the west line team of Bicycle Tour Around Taiwan, which Dafa practitioners initiated to rescue fellow practitioners, arrived at Taoyuan County, and the practitioners held a press conference in Chaoyang Park in Taoyuan City. About 200 practitioners attended and demonstrated the Falun Gong exercises. Several County Council members and Legislative Committee members made speeches to support the rescue activity. Some officials pointed out that the persecution of Falun Gong in Mainland China is a step backwards for the progress of world peace. Wherever the bicycle team went, people waved their hands to them, and some came forward to get more information. Many people were touched by the practitioners' sincere efforts.

This tour was initiated to rescue the Taiwan practitioners that had been detained in Mainland China. Two teams began their trip from Taipei on October 28 to tour around the island and invite fellow citizens to sign our petition and support human rights. The goal of the tour is to demand Jiang's regime to follow the international treaty on human rights, respect people's basic freedom of belief and personal security, and release innocent Taiwan practitioners.

County Council Member Wan Meiling gives a speech	Mr. Ma Zhimin, secretary of Legislative Committee Member Guo Rongzong, calls on China's regime to respect Taiwan citizens' basic human rights	Mr. Huang Mingong, vice head of the county government, delivers speech to encourage practitioners

The press conference at 10 a.m. was directed by Mr. Ming Juzheng, a professor in the Department of Politics at Taiwan University. The guests in attendance included county council members Wan Meiling, Huang Wanru, and Liu Maoqun, Mr. Mazhimin, secretary of legislative committee member Guo Rongren, Mr. Chen Zhaoyu, assistant to legislative committee member Yang Lihuan, Mr. Chang Dinggui, vice director of Northern area office for legislative committee member Peng Tianfu, and Mr. Chen Chongjie, assistant to legislative committee member Huang Zongyuan. At the press conference site, the signature cloth for rescuing Lin Hsiao-kai was displayed, and it was signed by nearly 10,000 Taoyuan residents on October 25 and 26.

Mr. Ming Juzhong said that we had a noble goal to rescue our friends. Our voices have made a difference, as Lin Hsiao-kai has been released recently. However, several Taiwanese men's wives who are from the Mainland are being imprisoned in China, including one that has Taiwanese citizenship. She was sentenced to a 4-year jail term. We are not challenging any regime, but only asking for a free cultivation environment.

County Council Member Wan Meiling said, "It is a shame that Lin Hsiao-kai was detained. Every practitioner wants to be a better person and follow Truthfulness, Compassion and Tolerance, but they are being persecuted in China. I don't believe it is an individual case. Under the Chinese regime's control, no one knows how many are suffering. We call on every government in the world to speak out... I wish the practitioners a bright future!"

County Council Member Huang Wanru pointed out that justice exists in our hearts and will prevail as long as we work together.

Mr. Chen Zhaoyu, assistant to Yang Lihuang, said that the persecution of Falun Gong in China is a step backwards in achieving world peace.

The press conference concluded at 10:30 am.

About 200 practitioners went to visit county government officials. The vice head of the county government said, "The power of compassion is great. The power of Truthfulness, Compassion and Tolerance is truly great. I wish that everyone in the world would have the freedom of belief. I wish a complete success for this activity." He signed his name in the signature book to support the activity and had a group photo with the practitioners.

About 70 practitioners continued their bicycle tour toward Jungli City and visited the city hall. Mayor Ye Buliang greeted the practitioners and said, "Falun Gong follows Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance, and focuses on cultivation of the heart and mind... We admire the practitioners' spirit and welcome all of you to Jungli City. I represent all Jungli citizens to greet everyone of you and wish all of you a peaceful journey." Then he signed on the signature book to show his support. Mayor Ye then had a group photo with the practitioners.

Jungli City Mayor Ye Buliang signs his name	Commissioner Luo Wenqin, representing Pingjen City Mayor Liyueqin, meets with the practitioners	Director Liao of Department of Civil Affairs, Yangmei Town takes group photo with practitioners

At 3 p.m., the team arrived at Pingjen City Hall. Commissioner Luo Wenqin representing Mayor Li Yueqin met the practitioners and said,"Evil can never prevail over righteousness! Good afternoon Falun Dafa practitioners! I am very pleased to see all of you coming to Pingjen City Hall. For people's freedom, everyone should take action like you have, with peaceful means. With the bicycle tour around the island, you are putting forward your appeal. The public should learn from you. At the same time, I thank you for visiting Pingjen City Hall and wish you success. Also, please pay attention to safety. The mayor has an important meeting and asked me to extend his apologies. We welcome every one of you with the warmest and most sincere heart."

The tour team left Pingjen City and arrived at Yangmei Town after 4 p.m. They visited officials in the Yangmei Town government. Director Liao of Department of Civil Affairs offered his encouragement to the practitioners. Upon hearing that the bicycle tour was traveling from Taipei to Kaohsiung, he exclaimed, "You are great. I'll ask the staff members in the town hall to support your activity."

The team members of the west line include practitioners in their 70's, and most of the members are house wives. They participated in this bicycle tour out of their righteous belief and conscience that they strengthened through their diligent cultivation.