Thursday, September 15th, 2005

VANCOUVER (CP) - A handful of Falun Gong protesters gathered in front of the Chinese consulate in Vancouver on Thursday to ask for political help for their people.

The group wants B.C. Premier Gordon Campbell to hand a letter to China's President Hu Jintao when he arrives in Vancouver on Friday. The letter asks the Chinese government to stop what they say is the persecution of thousands of Falun Gong followers.

Spokesperson Sophia Bronwen says they realize Hu inherited the political situation.

She says they're hoping that Hu's heart will be moved when he sees the democratic example of Canada.

Bronwen says Hu could be like former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev leading his country to dramatic political reform.

B.C. is the last Canadian stop for the Chinese leader who has spent a week visiting Ottawa, Toronto and Niagara Falls.

http://www.brandonsun.com/story.php?story_id=3889