March 30, 2002
(Clearwisdom.net) On March 27, 2002, two Montreal practitioners and one Ottawa practitioner started a hunger strike appeal in front of the Canadian Foreign Ministry to urge the Canadian government and Foreign Ministry to condemn the Jiang regime's brutal persecution of Falun Gong practitioners at the United Nations Human Rights Commission Conference in Geneva.
In Ottawa, the ground is still covered with ice and snow. Beside the road in front of the Foreign Ministry building, the three hunger-striking practitioners unfurled a 4-meter (~12 feet) long banner in blue reading, "Stop Order to 'Shoot Falun Gong Practitioners on Sight' in China."
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| The hunger strike appeal site | Hunger-striking practitioner Li Zhili |
When talking about reasons for the hunger strike appeal at the Canadian Foreign Ministry, practitioner Li Zhili said, "The persecution in China must be stopped. The Jiang regime's persecution against Falun Gong practitioners is an ongoing crime, and it has escalated to orders to 'kill without pardon.' It is a dangerous signal because there are over 100,000 Falun Gong practitioners imprisoned in labor camps and detention centers. They are in a dangerous situation, as the crisis in Changchun could spread all over the nation. If it is not stopped in time, there will be even worse atrocities committed across the country. Thus, through the hunger strike we are trying to raise the awareness of the Canadian public, Foreign Ministry and government."
Another practitioner held a hunger strike for 4 days and did not even drink water for the first two days. She said, "We hope that the Canadian government steps forward and encourages other countries to condemn the Jiang regime's persecution. During the last two days, many kind-hearted people came forward and expressed their concern. Some passersby told us, 'I support you. I am proud of you. I hope you can continue.'"
During the talk, some people reduced their driving speed and honked their horns to express their support.
The appeal will continue as other practitioners will continue the non-stop hunger strike during the meeting of United Nations Human Rights Commission in Geneva.
Category: Rallies & Protests
