March 11, 2003

(Clearwisdom.net) WOODSTOCK -- While it may be the other side of the world, local politicians are being thanked for their continued efforts to rescue people who are being tortured in China for their religious beliefs.

Three women, who are part of a group lobbying to put a stop to the cruel ban on the spiritual practice of Falun Gong in China, traveled from Toronto to Woodstock yesterday to personally thank MP John Finlay for his support.

"Five loved ones have been freed and we want to thank the MPs," said Paijong Hsieh, who has been practicing Falun Gong for four years, "It was because of local MPs that our family members were saved."

Over a dozen Canadians [who] practice Falun Gong began requesting the help of MPs across the province in August when 13 people who have relatives in Canada, were imprisoned in China for practicing the [belief].

Their efforts did not go unrewarded since a motion requesting the release of the 13 prisoners was passed at the House of Commons in October and led to the release of five.

Finlay was one of the MPs who voted in favor of the motion.

"This is an example of people's human rights not being respected," said Finlay. The Chinese think they are protecting China as a system, but I don't agree. In the Human Rights Commission reports there is evidence that methods of torture are being used against Falun Gong practitioners by the [People's] Republic of China and I don't agree with that."

The Falun Gong started up in 1992 and is practiced in over 50 countries.[...]

The Canadian lobby group is now on its second tour to not only thank local politicians, but to ask for more help.

"In mid-March, the United Nation Commission of Human Rights meets in Geneva and this is a good time for officials to condemn China for their persecution," said Hsieh. "We are asking Finlay to write a letter to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Prime Minister requesting a resolution be passed at the meeting to stop the persecution of Falun Gong."

On top of the 13 prisoners who have a connection to Canada, there are over 100,000 more who have been sentenced to forced labor camps,

"The type of torture they endure is beyond the imagination," said Cecilia Xiong, who recently moved to Canada from China. "My mother was beaten until she was blind and deaf because she practiced Falun Gong. They used electric shocks to the point where her body was black and blue."

Finlay promised to continue to support the group during their afternoon meeting at his office by writing letters and bringing up the issue with other members of Parliament.

Even though the problem is so far away from Oxford County, Finlay said it is his responsibility and the responsibility of other members of Parliament to take a stand.

"Canada is a world leader in human rights. We are the best peacekeepers in the world and people recognize that. We have some influence and we must use it wisely to lend support anywhere we can."

To show their appreciation, the three visitors presented Finlay with a lotus blossom folded out of paper and Finlay in turn handed them each a pin of the maple leaf.