January 7, 2004

An understanding of truth, compassion and tolerance helped Li Ying endure two years of imprisonment in a Chinese labour camp.

Ironically, those principles form the foundation of the meditation practice, Falun Gong-the "crime" for which Ms Ying was sentenced.

Ms Ying's fiance Grant Lu, of Homebush, fighting for her cause here in Australia.

The couple were recently reunited and they will marry next month.

They met in China in 2001, at which time Ms Ying was made to attend what Lu called "brainwashing classes".

After Mr Lu returned to Sydney, Ms Ying disappeared for three months before anybody knew she was in the camp.

"It was really hard," Mr Lu said.

"I didn't know whether she was alive or not."

It is estimated more than 100 million people in China practice Falun Gong, which the government outlawed in 1999.

Since then, many people associated with the practice have spoken out about torture and government persecution.

Ms Ying said she was lucky because authorities were aware of her involvement with Mr Lu and his efforts in Australia.

Mr Lu made several visits to China and the consulate for Ms Ying's case, even riding his bike to Canberra last year to raise awareness of her plight.

In order for Mr Lu to gain a visa for Ms Ying, he changed his name and altered his appearance by cutting his hair and wearing glasses.

He said authorities would have otherwise prevented the process because they knew of his campaign.

Ms Ying said that she first entered the camp, her hands were tied to a window for three days, preventing her from eating or using the bathroom on her own.

"They can't really change me because what they talk about is propaganda," she said through Mr Lu's interpretation.

"What they're doing is against the Chinese law."

While the happy couple are looking forward to their imminent wedding, they are committed to spreading the word.

"Persecution is still going on." Mr Lu said. "If more people care about this sort of situation, we can do something, even if they just sign a petition."

(Original title: Love, compassion Keys to survival. By Amelia Ball)