On November 22nd, the Free Zhao Ming Rally in Ireland, co-sponsored by the Trinity College Graduate Student Association and Trinity College Student Association, took place as scheduled. The British Senator Moyne, Amnesty International (Dublin Central Group, Trinity Chapter, and UCD Chapter) supported this activity. Students from Trinity College, Ireland National University, and Ireland City College, together with Mr. and Mrs. Morn and many others attended the rally. Some practitioners from Ireland and the UK also came to support the event.

At 1:30PM, about 300 college students, graduate students, and professors gathered on the campus of Trinity College. Richard Madigan, president of the Graduate Student Association, announced the beginning of the Free Ming Rally. British Senator Morn said in his opening remarks: "Zhao Ming is a friend of mine. I have known him for several years. He is a student with good manners, and he is a kind gentleman. Now Zhao Ming has been arrested and detained in a labor camp in his own country because he has been firm in his spiritual beliefs. In the labor camp Zhao Ming has suffered brutal beatings and torture..." Shao Li, a professor at the University of Nottingham of UK, also a friend and fellow practitioner of Zhao Ming, said that Zhao Ming is an excellent young man who did not do anything wrong. Richard then taught everybody "Free Zhao Ming" in Chinese. Finally, it was announced that the rally would be held at the Chinese Embassy.

At about 3pm, two busloads of people arrived at the Chinese embassy. Senator Morn went into the embassy to deliver an appeal letter that stated that Zhao Ming is innocent. The letter also asked the Chinese government to release him as soon as possible so that he can continue his studies in Ireland.

Over 100 people showed up for the gathering in front of the embassy. Some held signs saying "Free Zhao Ming," "Release Zhao Ming," and "Let Him Go Today" while others held banners in Chinese saying "Release Zhao Ming," and "Give Zhao Ming the Freedom to Practice Falun Gong." Many supporters showed up after having read an article in the Irish Times newspaper the previous day. One group, which included teenage students, came all the way from the city of Cork.

According to the coordinator of the Trinity College Student Association, this was the largest turnout for their activities over the past year. The coordinator of the school's Graduate Student Association said this was only the beginning of their help to free Zhao Ming, and that they will not stop until Zhao Ming is released and returns to Ireland.

Irish practitioners

November 25, 2000

Category: Rallies & Protests