I found Allison Hanes' article (Freed Falun Gong Member Visits, Jan.20 2001) to be objective and well-written. Mr. Zhang's release is a positive step, and one that many people had initially thought to be impossible; nonetheless, due to actions by many groups and individuals, including at the grassroots level here in Montreal with the public's response - the "10,000 signature petition", it was rapidly effected.

The persecution against Falun Gong is itself unjust, and the growing outcry around the world against the brutal crackdown is indeed well-represented here in Canada.

To my fellow Canadians and fellow Montrealers, I say 'thank you', and it is clear that all your efforts have not been in vain; also, on behalf of the thousands of my fellow Falun Gong practitioners still in Chinese labor camps, I assure everyone that if we keep it up, the only thing that will remain of this tragedy to humanity will be a serious historical lesson.

Category: Perspective