On February the 13th and 14th 2004, the well-known Italian human rights organisation “Hands Off Cain” hosted an international human rights conference concerning the abolishment of capital punishment. Falun Gong practitioner Mr. Zhang Erping was invited to explain the facts of the persecution against Falun Gong in China and to participate in the press conference.

When talking about the persecution that Falun Gong practitioners in China are subjected to, Mr. Zhang cited some specific cases. For example, how a judge in Jiangxi province named Huang Jinchun had been unlawfully arrested and injected with poisonous drugs; how a farmer in Shandong province named Zhao Jinhua was persecuted to death and his body cremated in an attempt to destroy any evidence of torture; how a thirty one year old pregnant woman underwent a forced abortion etc..

Mr. Zhang stated that in such a society full of corruption and distrust, Falun Gong represents purity and beauty. Falun Gong is a traditional cultivation method deeply rooted in ancient Chinese culture, teaching people to live their lives by the universal principle of ‘Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance,’ guiding people toward a path to peace and wisdom. Falun Gong has spread through word of mouth, from the heart and through voluntary teaching in the parks where it is practised. As well as the benefits it brings to physical health, Falun Gong’s traditional values and spirit have attracted more people. Though we do not have any religious rituals, we have the same goal as many of the worldwide religions, that is, to become spiritually enlightened and better beings. Just because Falun Gong attracted seventy to one hundred million people, including many high-ranking officials in China, the former Chinese leader felt threatened and launched this meaningless persecution.

Finally, he called on the international community to continue focusing on the persecution and demanded that the Jiang regime stop the persecution, which is causing so much harm to the state and its people. He emphasised once more that Falun Gong has no political appeal and is not against any government. Human history has proved that the evil will never overwhelm the righteous. We know that in the near future people will witness the coming of this day.