February 15, 2006

The Chinese Communist Party's campaign against Falun Gong extends well beyond the geographical borders of China.

Gary Yang, 47, who owns a restaurant in Regina, said his business has suffered because he practices Falun Gong.

"I get pressure from the Chinese Consulate. They tell all the Chinese people (that come to Canada) not to come to my restaurant," said Yang, noting he started practicing Falun Gong after moving to Canada.

"My parents in China are given a hard time. If my mom wants to talk to people in the street, nobody will talk to her, everybody is scared."

Sophia Wang also immigrated to Canada from China with her husband to have the freedom to practice Falun Gong.

Her family has faced dire consequences in China since she began speaking out.

"My mother-in-law was detained for two weeks and her pension was suspended for two years," said Wang.

Wang gave up her career as a doctor in China when she moved to Calgary.

She said having freedom [of belief] and to speak her beliefs was worth leaving her career and homeland behind.

"Everybody has a desire to be a better person," said Wang, noting Falun Gong helps her achieve serenity, happiness and truth.

Yang and Wang and about 10 other Falun Gong practitioners attended the Winnipeg trial yesterday to show support for the prosecution of those who inflicted torture on Kunlun Zhang.