July 17, 2002

AUCKLAND (AP)--Chinese diplomatic pressure has forced an Auckland agency to take down a billboard promoting the Falun Gong spiritual movement at New Zealand's busiest airport.

Human rights groups Thursday criticized Auckland International Airport for bowing to the Chinese Embassy request to remove a sign for the movement, which has been outlawed in China since 1999.

The embassy had complained to both the airport and the company that handles advertising for the group about the billboard, which showed a woman meditating and the words, "The world needs truth, compassion and forbearance.

The Look Outdoor ad agency said the embassy complained that the billboard was offensive to Chinese travelers because Falun Gong was banned in China.

Look Outdoor spokeswoman Aimee McKay said she explained to the embassy that advertising the movement was not illegal in New Zealand, and that the agency had a contract with Falun Gong.

However, the Auckland airport company told the ad agency to remove the sign. "The decision was made on the balance of everything," airport commercial general manager Murray Barclay said.

An embassy spokeswoman said Chinese residents and tourists were offended by the message.

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The Auckland Council for Civil Liberties branded the airport company's action "spineless and contemptible."

Amnesty International said it was "surprising and appalling" that any New Zealand authority would join in a Chinese government campaign against freedom of expression.

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