June 14, 2001

A Tamworth resident has launched a campaign to raise awareness of human rights injustices in her family homeland of China where thousands of people have been brutally tortured for practising a meditation art called Falun Gong.

Yan Liu, who has lived in Tamworth for six years, began the campaign after being arrested on a visit to China last Christmas for admitting she practised Falun Gong.

Because she was a British citizen she got away lightly but Mrs. Liu said other practitioners had suffered brutal beatings, torture and imprisonment.

She cited the example of a friend who was tortured by the authorities and died 10 days later.

"They tried to get her to sign a witness statement but her heart was unshakeable. She started to hunger strike and was subject to force-feeding with salty water by seven or eight police at a time," said Mrs. Liu.

"Falun gong is a set of gentle exercises and meditation which is based on the traditional pillars of truth, compassion and forbearance.

To the unfamiliar, it looks a little like Tai Chi or Yoga. It is not a religion, or a cult, or sect and it does not collect money or accept donations from people who practise it. But it does bring them increased health, tolerance and peace of mind."

Mrs. Liu has urged people to write and send petitions to MPs about the situation in China. To join the local campaign contact Simon Veasey on 0121-458-7373.