Press Release 6-11-06

Public asks WHY Falun Gong’s Christmas Parade refused

With beautiful traditional Chinese costumes, a small group of Falun Gong meditation followers did their excercises peacefully on the Cuba Street stage which was decorated with colorful lotus flowers. They have collected more than 500 signatures from the public to support the spiritual group to participate in Wellington Center’s Christmas parade. This is the third year the group’s application has been declined.

Mr. Thomas, a local Falun Gong practitioner says, ‘We are very keen to contribute to the community as part of the parade. We are confident that we will add more color to the parade by bringing the beauty of Falun Gong to people.’

‘We have five-year’s Christmas parade experience, and have won five prizes so far. We have covered all the major cities around New Zealand. In The Greater Wellington area, we have participated Christmas parades at Lower Hutt, Upper Hutt, Porirua, Paraparaumu and won the first prize of community groups at Paraparaumu, ’ he adds.

However, neither Falun Gong’s good record nor warm willingness seems good enough for the council to put them on the list this year. The public wonders WHY.

Mr. Thomas says, ‘The council told me they have tried to streamline the Parade this year due to a few complaints about being too long and boring. But when I asked for the reason, and advice for us to improve for next year’s entry, no answer was given.’

It is clear that the group has been the target of the Chinese Embassy’s routine complaints against their participations in local community events due to Falun Gong’s persistent protest against the Communist regime’s brutal suppression since 1999. The council is expected to action conscience rather than trade, as they do most of time.

ENDS

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