July 23, 2004
A group of local Falun Gong practitioners are attending a rally in Washington, D.C., today to protest the hate crimes committed against others who practice the technique.
William Timm of Eureka and a small handful of other local practitioners, including students from Humboldt State University and a student from College of the Redwoods, will be going to the rally. Falun Gong consists of meditations, simple exercise movements and teachings rooted in ancient Chinese culture. Practitioners believe practicing Falun Gong, which is nonpolitical and nonreligious, leads to improved mental and physical health.
About 3,000 are expected to attend the rally. They hope to raise awareness about Falun Gong, which is currently persecuted in China, [...] Timm said.
People are tortured to death for practicing in China," he said. "We will also be displaying some of the torture methods used by the Chinese government to have people renounce their beliefs in Falun Gong."
Falun Gong practitioners worldwide claim a recent drive-by shooting in South Africa of a Falun Gong practitioner marks a new level of intimidation by the Chinese government.
"We're hoping to bring light to the recent incidents of persecution," Timm said.
http://www.times-standard.com/Stories/0,1413,127~2896~2290217,00.html
