Inside China Today

More lawyers representing Falun Gong

Since the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners by Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in nineteen ninety nine, lawyers in mainland China have been banned from representing Falun Gong by the communist regime. However, with increased understanding of Falun Gong cases, more and more Chinese lawyers are deciding to step forward from the pressure and provide legal assistance to Falun Gong practitioners.
Beijing lawyer Jiang Tianyong said despite pressure from officials, more lawyers are starting to understand that the persecution of Falun Gong by the CCP is without legal basis, and many have stepped out to represent Falun Gong practitioners. Jiang explains that the communist regime distorted and demonised Falun Gong with its state controlled media propaganda, and that many lawyers have received threats and warning from legal departments when then come into contact with Falun Gong cases.

Another Beijing lawyer Chen Hai said that the pressure from official is illegitimate, and by presenting Falun Gong practitioners, lawyers are converting fear into rationality. He says the more lawyers taking on these cases the better, and with the numbers increasing, the feeling of fear in the beginning will dispel with time.

Lawyer Li Heping says that the Chinese constitution confers the freedom of belief, and Falun Gong practitioners also have the right to their belief in Falun Gong, as it’s a right conferred by law.

According to Clear Wisdom website, Falun Gong has spread to over eighty countries and regions, and its founder, Mr Li Hong Zhi has received over one thousand accolades from around the world. Despite Falun Gong’s global success, the Chinese communist regime has stepped up its persecution and sentencing of Falun Gong practitioners in China ahead of the Olympic games.