Photo Archive › Important Events › Rescue Our Family Members › Canada

Canada

Page 1 of 1

Published on 1/16/2001 With the great support and the concerted efforts from the Canadian Government, Department of Foreign Affairs, Members of Parliament, Senators, Amnesty International and Human rights organizations, the media and all kindhearted people, Falun Gong practitioner, Professor Kunlun Zhang was released and returned to Canada from China, early in the morning of January 16, 2001. Members of Amnesty International and Falun Gong practitioners warmly greeted Professor Zhang at the Ottawa Airport.

Professor Zhang was sentenced to three years in a Chinese labor camp without trial on Nov. 15, 2000 for peacefully practicing Falun Gong exercises in a public park. In the labor camp, he was tortured by electric shock and other brutal means. Due to international pressure, the Chinese government released Professor Zhang on January 10, 2001 after he served only two months of his sentence.

After his release, he told his daughter Lingdi Zhang over the phone on January 11, 2001, that he would continue practicing Falun Gong. He also expressed his sincere gratitude to the Canadian people for giving their unending support. Ms. Zhang stated that a daughter’s appeal for her father’s misfortune is just one small voice; however, the combined voices from the entire society carry a stronger power. From her father’s experience, it is a clear lesson of the success of moral support.

The Volunteer Team for the "Appeal for Professor Kunlun Zhang’s Freedom" sincerely thank the Canadian Government, Department of Foreign Affairs, renowned international human rights lawyer MP Irwin Cotler (international legal counsel to Professor Zhang), Amnesty International and Human rights organizations, Members of Parliament, Senators, and all kind-hearted people who offered support. Also, we would also like to thank the media who have been giving fair and detailed reports on Professor Zhang’s case.

Professor Kunlun Zhang is only one of the thousands of Falun Gong practitioners being persecuted. To date, at least 122 Falun Gong practitioners are reported to have died in police custody since the crackdown began. Thousands upon thousands of innocent Falun Gong practitioners are still being tortured, beaten and killed in labor camps, prisons, and detention centers every day.

The imprisonment and torture of Falun Gong practitioners in China is unlawful and the persecution severely violates China’s own constitution as well as the international human rights treaties China has signed. Falun Gong is a peaceful meditation practice that focuses on morality and the principle of "Truthfulness-Compassion-Tolerance".

It is our sincerest hope that the kind-hearted Canadian people and the Canadian government who is a major contributor to the worldwide peace and justice will continue their persistent support, urge the Chinese government to end the persecution of Falun Gong and release all Falun Gong practitioners.

One release is not enough. Alex Neve, the Secretary General of Amnesty International Canada said: "... the Chinese often try to deal with individual cases that are "irritants" in advance of trade missions. Canada must not be deflected by the conditional release of one prisoner. It must press the Chinese to stop the continuing crackdown on all Falun Gong practitioners and other dissidents and respect human rights throughout the country."

Professor Zhang Kunlun is Released and Returns to Canada On January 16, 2001 (IV)

Published on 1/16/2001 With the great support and the concerted efforts from the Canadian Government, Department of Foreign Affairs, Members of Parliament, Senators, Amnesty International and Human rights organizations, the media and all kindhearted people, Falun Gong practitioner, Professor Kunlun Zhang was released and returned to Canada from China, early in the morning of January 16, 2001. Members of Amnesty International and Falun Gong practitioners warmly greeted Professor Zhang at the Ottawa Airport.

Professor Zhang was sentenced to three years in a Chinese labor camp without trial on Nov. 15, 2000 for peacefully practicing Falun Gong exercises in a public park. In the labor camp, he was tortured by electric shock and other brutal means. Due to international pressure, the Chinese government released Professor Zhang on January 10, 2001 after he served only two months of his sentence.

After his release, he told his daughter Lingdi Zhang over the phone on January 11, 2001, that he would continue practicing Falun Gong. He also expressed his sincere gratitude to the Canadian people for giving their unending support. Ms. Zhang stated that a daughter’s appeal for her father’s misfortune is just one small voice; however, the combined voices from the entire society carry a stronger power. From her father’s experience, it is a clear lesson of the success of moral support.

The Volunteer Team for the "Appeal for Professor Kunlun Zhang’s Freedom" sincerely thank the Canadian Government, Department of Foreign Affairs, renowned international human rights lawyer MP Irwin Cotler (international legal counsel to Professor Zhang), Amnesty International and Human rights organizations, Members of Parliament, Senators, and all kind-hearted people who offered support. Also, we would also like to thank the media who have been giving fair and detailed reports on Professor Zhang’s case.

Professor Kunlun Zhang is only one of the thousands of Falun Gong practitioners being persecuted. To date, at least 122 Falun Gong practitioners are reported to have died in police custody since the crackdown began. Thousands upon thousands of innocent Falun Gong practitioners are still being tortured, beaten and killed in labor camps, prisons, and detention centers every day.

The imprisonment and torture of Falun Gong practitioners in China is unlawful and the persecution severely violates China’s own constitution as well as the international human rights treaties China has signed. Falun Gong is a peaceful meditation practice that focuses on morality and the principle of "Truthfulness-Compassion-Tolerance".

It is our sincerest hope that the kind-hearted Canadian people and the Canadian government who is a major contributor to the worldwide peace and justice will continue their persistent support, urge the Chinese government to end the persecution of Falun Gong and release all Falun Gong practitioners.

One release is not enough. Alex Neve, the Secretary General of Amnesty International Canada said: "... the Chinese often try to deal with individual cases that are "irritants" in advance of trade missions. Canada must not be deflected by the conditional release of one prisoner. It must press the Chinese to stop the continuing crackdown on all Falun Gong practitioners and other dissidents and respect human rights throughout the country."

Professor Zhang Kunlun is Released and Returns to Canada On January 16, 2001 (I)

Published on 1/16/2001 With the great support and the concerted efforts from the Canadian Government, Department of Foreign Affairs, Members of Parliament, Senators, Amnesty International and Human rights organizations, the media and all kindhearted people, Falun Gong practitioner, Professor Kunlun Zhang was released and returned to Canada from China, early in the morning of January 16, 2001. Members of Amnesty International and Falun Gong practitioners warmly greeted Professor Zhang at the Ottawa Airport.

Professor Zhang was sentenced to three years in a Chinese labor camp without trial on Nov. 15, 2000 for peacefully practicing Falun Gong exercises in a public park. In the labor camp, he was tortured by electric shock and other brutal means. Due to international pressure, the Chinese government released Professor Zhang on January 10, 2001 after he served only two months of his sentence.

After his release, he told his daughter Lingdi Zhang over the phone on January 11, 2001, that he would continue practicing Falun Gong. He also expressed his sincere gratitude to the Canadian people for giving their unending support. Ms. Zhang stated that a daughter’s appeal for her father’s misfortune is just one small voice; however, the combined voices from the entire society carry a stronger power. From her father’s experience, it is a clear lesson of the success of moral support.

The Volunteer Team for the "Appeal for Professor Kunlun Zhang’s Freedom" sincerely thank the Canadian Government, Department of Foreign Affairs, renowned international human rights lawyer MP Irwin Cotler (international legal counsel to Professor Zhang), Amnesty International and Human rights organizations, Members of Parliament, Senators, and all kind-hearted people who offered support. Also, we would also like to thank the media who have been giving fair and detailed reports on Professor Zhang’s case.

Professor Kunlun Zhang is only one of the thousands of Falun Gong practitioners being persecuted. To date, at least 122 Falun Gong practitioners are reported to have died in police custody since the crackdown began. Thousands upon thousands of innocent Falun Gong practitioners are still being tortured, beaten and killed in labor camps, prisons, and detention centers every day.

The imprisonment and torture of Falun Gong practitioners in China is unlawful and the persecution severely violates China’s own constitution as well as the international human rights treaties China has signed. Falun Gong is a peaceful meditation practice that focuses on morality and the principle of "Truthfulness-Compassion-Tolerance".

It is our sincerest hope that the kind-hearted Canadian people and the Canadian government who is a major contributor to the worldwide peace and justice will continue their persistent support, urge the Chinese government to end the persecution of Falun Gong and release all Falun Gong practitioners.

One release is not enough. Alex Neve, the Secretary General of Amnesty International Canada said: "... the Chinese often try to deal with individual cases that are "irritants" in advance of trade missions. Canada must not be deflected by the conditional release of one prisoner. It must press the Chinese to stop the continuing crackdown on all Falun Gong practitioners and other dissidents and respect human rights throughout the country."

Professor Zhang Kunlun is Released and Returns to Canada On January 16, 2001 (II)

Published on 1/16/2001 With the great support and the concerted efforts from the Canadian Government, Department of Foreign Affairs, Members of Parliament, Senators, Amnesty International and Human rights organizations, the media and all kindhearted people, Falun Gong practitioner, Professor Kunlun Zhang was released and returned to Canada from China, early in the morning of January 16, 2001. Members of Amnesty International and Falun Gong practitioners warmly greeted Professor Zhang at the Ottawa Airport.

Professor Zhang was sentenced to three years in a Chinese labor camp without trial on Nov. 15, 2000 for peacefully practicing Falun Gong exercises in a public park. In the labor camp, he was tortured by electric shock and other brutal means. Due to international pressure, the Chinese government released Professor Zhang on January 10, 2001 after he served only two months of his sentence.

After his release, he told his daughter Lingdi Zhang over the phone on January 11, 2001, that he would continue practicing Falun Gong. He also expressed his sincere gratitude to the Canadian people for giving their unending support. Ms. Zhang stated that a daughter’s appeal for her father’s misfortune is just one small voice; however, the combined voices from the entire society carry a stronger power. From her father’s experience, it is a clear lesson of the success of moral support.

The Volunteer Team for the "Appeal for Professor Kunlun Zhang’s Freedom" sincerely thank the Canadian Government, Department of Foreign Affairs, renowned international human rights lawyer MP Irwin Cotler (international legal counsel to Professor Zhang), Amnesty International and Human rights organizations, Members of Parliament, Senators, and all kind-hearted people who offered support. Also, we would also like to thank the media who have been giving fair and detailed reports on Professor Zhang’s case.

Professor Kunlun Zhang is only one of the thousands of Falun Gong practitioners being persecuted. To date, at least 122 Falun Gong practitioners are reported to have died in police custody since the crackdown began. Thousands upon thousands of innocent Falun Gong practitioners are still being tortured, beaten and killed in labor camps, prisons, and detention centers every day.

The imprisonment and torture of Falun Gong practitioners in China is unlawful and the persecution severely violates China’s own constitution as well as the international human rights treaties China has signed. Falun Gong is a peaceful meditation practice that focuses on morality and the principle of "Truthfulness-Compassion-Tolerance".

It is our sincerest hope that the kind-hearted Canadian people and the Canadian government who is a major contributor to the worldwide peace and justice will continue their persistent support, urge the Chinese government to end the persecution of Falun Gong and release all Falun Gong practitioners.

One release is not enough. Alex Neve, the Secretary General of Amnesty International Canada said: "... the Chinese often try to deal with individual cases that are "irritants" in advance of trade missions. Canada must not be deflected by the conditional release of one prisoner. It must press the Chinese to stop the continuing crackdown on all Falun Gong practitioners and other dissidents and respect human rights throughout the country."

Professor Zhang Kunlun is Released and Returns to Canada On January 16, 2001 (III)

Published on 3/31/2002 Toronto practitioner Christine Loftus was arrested with her boyfriend outside Hailong Supermarket in Beijing on March 28, 2002 and was subsequently deported out of China. On March 29, 2002, Christine arrived in Toronto airport and was warmly welcomed by dozens of practitioners. Several major Chinese and Western news media agencies were present at the airport and interviewed her.

Toronto Falun Dafa practitioners welcome Christine Loftus returned to Canada

Published on 3/31/2002 Toronto practitioner Christine Loftus was arrested with her boyfriend outside Hailong Supermarket in Beijing on March 28, 2002 and was subsequently deported out of China. On March 29, 2002, Christine arrived in Toronto airport and was warmly welcomed by dozens of practitioners. Several major Chinese and Western news media agencies were present at the airport and interviewed her.

Toronto Falun Dafa practitioners welcome Christine Loftus returned to Canada

Published on 3/31/2002 Toronto practitioner Christine Loftus was arrested with her boyfriend outside Hailong Supermarket in Beijing on March 28, 2002 and was subsequently deported out of China. On March 29, 2002, Christine arrived in Toronto airport and was warmly welcomed by dozens of practitioners. Several major Chinese and Western news media agencies were present at the airport and interviewed her.

Toronto Falun Dafa practitioners welcome Christine Loftus returned to Canada

Published on 7/17/2002 Below is story of Toronto resident Wang Yanying:

Toronto resident Wang Yanying��s husband Qiu Zhaojin (59) and son Qiu Bai (27, shown in the photo) were arrested in October, 2000. They were sentenced to 3 years in labor camp respectively and are currently being detained (as July 2002) in Liuchangshan Labor Camp of Jinan, Shendong Province.
***
On the morning of July 16, 2002, with the help of Mr. Smith, a Member of the Provincial Parliament, eight Toronto residents held a press conference inside the Ontario Provincial Parliament Building, appealing to people from all walks of life in Canada to help rescue the practitioners’ family members who are being persecuted in China for practicing Falun Gong. At 9:30 a.m., the press conference officially began. John Godfrey, Member of Parliament and Michael Pruce, Member of Provincial Parliament attended the conference and gave speeches. Ms. Zhang Li talked about her husband Mr. He Lizhi, who is being persecuted in China. Three Western media outlets and three Chinese media outlets including Ming Pao attended the conference. More than 20 Falun Gong practitioners demonstrated the Falun Gong exercises on the lawn in front of the Provincial Parliament Building.

Falun Gong spokesperson Joel Chipkar briefly introduced the situation of the twelve family members of practitioners who are being persecuted in China. Joel said, "My mother and I have benefited a lot from practicing Falun Gong. We were shocked when we discovered that family members of Canadian residents are suffering persecution for practicing Falun Gong in China. We sincerely appeal to Canadians from all walks of life to help rescue our family members and allow them to be reunited soon."

With Family Members Imprisoned in China for Practicing Falun Gong, Toronto Residents Launch Rescue Effort (IV)

Published on 7/17/2002 Ms. Zhang Li’s husband, Mr. He Lizhi, is 38 years old. He is widely regarded as sincere, honest, and talented; and he is well respected by his peers. He is a senior civil engineer, who once won awards at the national and departmental level. He made prominent contributions to China’s architecture. Before his arrest, he had obtained the Canadian permanent resident status. Only because he practices Falun Gong, he was sentenced to three and a half years in prison. He is presently held in Qianjin Prison near Tianjin City and quite likely being tortured and abused.
***
On the morning of July 16, 2002, with the help of Mr. Smith, a Member of the Provincial Parliament, eight Toronto residents held a press conference inside the Ontario Provincial Parliament Building, appealing to people from all walks of life in Canada to help rescue the practitioners’ family members who are being persecuted in China for practicing Falun Gong. At 9:30 a.m., the press conference officially began. John Godfrey, Member of Parliament and Michael Pruce, Member of Provincial Parliament attended the conference and gave speeches. Ms. Zhang Li talked about her husband Mr. He Lizhi, who is being persecuted in China. Three Western media outlets and three Chinese media outlets including Ming Pao attended the conference. More than 20 Falun Gong practitioners demonstrated the Falun Gong exercises on the lawn in front of the Provincial Parliament Building.

Falun Gong spokesperson Joel Chipkar briefly introduced the situation of the twelve family members of practitioners who are being persecuted in China. Joel said, "My mother and I have benefited a lot from practicing Falun Gong. We were shocked when we discovered that family members of Canadian residents are suffering persecution for practicing Falun Gong in China. We sincerely appeal to Canadians from all walks of life to help rescue our family members and allow them to be reunited soon."

Ms. Zhang Li said that she misses and worries about her husband, who is imprisoned in the forced labor camp. She said, "On February 20, 2001, six months after my husband had been forcibly detained in the forced labor camp, I was finally allowed to visit him. I found that he suffered edema and continued to cough up blood. He could hardly stand...I was heartbroken upon seeing my previously healthy, energetic husband being tortured to such an extent. I requested the camp officials to release my husband on bail for medical treatment, but my request was rejected. One month later I was permitted to visit with my husband again. At that time, he had been sent to the prison hospital for two weeks. The hospital diagnosed him as having kidney and lung problems. I once again requested that they release my husband on bail for medical treatment and I was rejected again. From then on, I haven’t seen my husband." Ms. Zhang continued that her husband had changed from a physically weak person to become healthy and energetic after practicing Falun Gong. However, he was forced to do hard labor in the forced labor camp but not allowed to practice the Falun Gong exercises. She was very worried about his health condition.

With Family Members Imprisoned in China for Practicing Falun Gong, Toronto Residents Launch Rescue Effort

Published on 7/17/2002 Toronto Resident Wu Yanxia’s story:

Wu Yanying, 42, is the younger sister of Toronto resident Wu Yanxia. Yanying is a resident of Ji County of Tianjin. On January 18, 20001, children of Yanying and her yougner brother Zhanzhong brought ��Falun Dafa is Good�� and ��Wish you safe�� paper slices and Falun Dafa truth-clarifying audio tapes to their school. The school authority then reported to local police station which then arrest the children and their parents. Zhanzhong and Yanying were later transferred to Ji County Detention Center and were sentenced to 2 years in labor camp. Zhanzhong is being detained in Shuangkou Labor Camp of Beichen District and Yanying is being detained in Jianxin Labor Camp of Nankai District, Tianjin. Wu Yanxia visited them one day before she came to Canada. She learned that both her sister and brother were inhumanly tortured. At that time, Yanying��s thumb and middle finger of her left hand couldn��t move and her face was beaten severely and can��t bear one single light touch.

***
On the morning of July 16, 2002, with the help of Mr. Smith, a Member of the Provincial Parliament, eight Toronto residents held a press conference inside the Ontario Provincial Parliament Building, appealing to people from all walks of life in Canada to help rescue the practitioners’ family members who are being persecuted in China for practicing Falun Gong. At 9:30 a.m., the press conference officially began. John Godfrey, Member of Parliament and Michael Pruce, Member of Provincial Parliament attended the conference and gave speeches. Ms. Zhang Li talked about her husband Mr. He Lizhi, who is being persecuted in China. Three Western media outlets and three Chinese media outlets including Ming Pao attended the conference. More than 20 Falun Gong practitioners demonstrated the Falun Gong exercises on the lawn in front of the Provincial Parliament Building.

Falun Gong spokesperson Joel Chipkar briefly introduced the situation of the twelve family members of practitioners who are being persecuted in China. Joel said, "My mother and I have benefited a lot from practicing Falun Gong. We were shocked when we discovered that family members of Canadian residents are suffering persecution for practicing Falun Gong in China. We sincerely appeal to Canadians from all walks of life to help rescue our family members and allow them to be reunited soon."

With Family Members Imprisoned in China for Practicing Falun Gong, Toronto Residents Launch Rescue Effort (VII)

Published on 7/18/2002 On the morning of July 16, 2002, with the help of Mr. Smith, a Member of the Provincial Parliament, eight Toronto residents held a press conference inside the Ontario Provincial Parliament Building, appealing to people from all walks of life in Canada to help rescue the practitioners’ family members who are being persecuted in China for practicing Falun Gong. At 9:30 a.m., the press conference officially began. John Godfrey, Member of Parliament and Michael Pruce, Member of Provincial Parliament attended the conference and gave speeches. Ms. Zhang Li talked about her husband Mr. He Lizhi, who is being persecuted in China. Three Western media outlets and three Chinese media outlets including Ming Pao attended the conference. More than 20 Falun Gong practitioners demonstrated the Falun Gong exercises on the lawn in front of the Provincial Parliament Building.

Falun Gong spokesperson Joel Chipkar briefly introduced the situation of the twelve family members of practitioners who are being persecuted in China. Joel said, "My mother and I have benefited a lot from practicing Falun Gong. We were shocked when we discovered that family members of Canadian residents are suffering persecution for practicing Falun Gong in China. We sincerely appeal to Canadians from all walks of life to help rescue our family members and allow them to be reunited soon."

Ms. Zhang Li said that she misses and worries about her husband, who is imprisoned in the forced labor camp. She said, "On February 20, 2001, six months after my husband had been forcibly detained in the forced labor camp, I was finally allowed to visit him. I found that he suffered edema and continued to cough up blood. He could hardly stand...I was heartbroken upon seeing my previously healthy, energetic husband being tortured to such an extent. I requested the camp officials to release my husband on bail for medical treatment, but my request was rejected. One month later I was permitted to visit with my husband again. At that time, he had been sent to the prison hospital for two weeks. The hospital diagnosed him as having kidney and lung problems. I once again requested that they release my husband on bail for medical treatment and I was rejected again. From then on, I haven’t seen my husband." Ms. Zhang continued that her husband had changed from a physically weak person to become healthy and energetic after practicing Falun Gong. However, he was forced to do hard labor in the forced labor camp but not allowed to practice the Falun Gong exercises. She was very worried about his health condition.

Ms. Zhang Li’s husband, Mr. He Lizhi, is 38 years old. He is widely regarded as sincere, honest, and talented; and he is well respected by his peers. He is a senior civil engineer, who once won awards at the national and departmental level. He made prominent contributions to China’s architecture. Before his arrest, he had obtained the Canadian permanent resident status. Only because he practices Falun Gong, he was sentenced to three and a half years in prison. He is presently held in Qianjin Prison near Tianjin City and quite likely being tortured and abused.

Toronto resident Mr. Yang Zhendong’s mother, Ms. Yang Yueli, is 63 years old. She was a senior engineer of the Chinese Astronautics Ministry and once participated in the research and launch of China’s first satellite, Long--March No.3, and for her achievements had won many national awards. However, because of practicing Falun Gong, she was suddenly arrested and sent to jail on December 7, 2001. Mr. Yang Zhendong has not been able to contact his mother and is very worried about her situation.

These family members of the Toronto practitioners are law-abiding good citizens. Cultivating Falun Gong enables them to achieve well-being of both mind and body. There was only one reason that they were arrested and tortured: practicing Falun Gong and following the principle of "Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance."

Mr. John Godfrey said, "I’m only one of Members of Federal Parliament who support the cause of Falun Gong. Every Canadian political party is supportive of Falun Gong. We will continue to send messages to the Prime Minister and take measures to urge China to stop persecuting Falun Gong. I’m so proud that Falun Gong has won so much support."

Mr. Pruce said in his speech, "Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance espoused by Falun Gong is a reflection of the code of conduct that the people of Ontario have followed from generation to generation. The Falun Gong practitioners we have met with are all very good people. We cannot tolerate the persecution against them; we will tell the Ontario Provincial Governor: "We welcome Falun Gong practitioners who are suffering persecution in China to come to Ontario; we welcome them, and at the same time we will show the Chinese government that we welcome them! If China could also accept ’Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance,’ China would become better."

After the press conference, reporters interviewed several of the victims’ family members.

We believe that Canadians from all walks of life will do their best to rescue these practitioners and help stop the persecution, so that they can live out the wonderful life that "Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance" has brought to them.

With the help of people from all around Canada, three Falun Gong practitioners who suffered persecution in China have been successfully rescued. They are Zhang Kunlun, Lin Shenli and Zhu Ying.

With Family Members Imprisoned in China for Practicing Falun Gong, Toronto Residents Launch Rescue Effort (IX)