Persecution of Falun Gong facts for kids
The persecution of Falun Gong refers to a campaign started in 1999 by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Its goal was to stop the spiritual practice of Falun Gong in China. The CCP believes in state atheism, which means the government does not support any religion.
This campaign involved many things. There was a huge effort to spread negative information about Falun Gong. There were also programs to force people to change their beliefs. Reports also mention other harsh actions taken outside of normal laws.
Falun Gong is a modern qigong practice. It combines gentle exercises and meditation. It also includes a way of life based on moral ideas. Li Hongzhi started this practice and shared it with the public in May 1992. This happened in Changchun, Jilin. Falun Gong grew very quickly in the 1990s. Because of this, the CCP began its campaign to "get rid of" Falun Gong on July 20, 1999.
The Chinese government claimed Falun Gong was a "bad group" or "wrong teaching." They used this reason to ban and try to stop the movement. A special group called the 6-10 Office was created. Its job was to lead the actions against Falun Gong. The government used its media, courts, police, army, schools, families, and workplaces against the group. A lot of negative information was spread through TV, newspapers, radio, and the internet.
People who watch China from other countries believe many Falun Gong followers have been held. This could be hundreds of thousands, or even millions. They were kept in places like "re-education through labor" camps and prisons. This happened because they would not give up their spiritual practice. People who were once held there have said that Falun Gong followers often received "the longest sentences and worst treatment." In some places, they made up most of the people held.
Falun Gong Outside China
The Chinese Communist Party's actions against Falun Gong have also reached Chinese people living in other countries. This includes using media and keeping an eye on Falun Gong followers. There have also been reports of bothering and even violence against them. The CCP has also tried to pressure foreign governments. They have also hacked websites used by Falun Gong groups overseas.
A person who left the Chinese consulate in Sydney, Australia, said something important. They stated that "The fight against Falun Gong is one of the main jobs of the Chinese mission overseas." This shows how far the campaign reaches.
In 2004, the U.S. House of Representatives voted on a resolution. Everyone agreed to condemn attacks on Falun Gong followers in the United States. These attacks were said to be by people connected to the Communist Party. The resolution stated that party groups "pressured local elected officials in the United States." They wanted these officials to stop supporting Falun Gong. It also said that Falun Gong spokespeople had their homes broken into. People peacefully protesting outside embassies were also physically attacked.
Documents from China's Overseas Chinese Affairs Office (OCAO) describe the overseas campaign. A report from a 2007 meeting of OCAO leaders talked about this. The office said it "helps organize the anti-'Falun Gong' struggles overseas." The OCAO encourages Chinese citizens living abroad to "strongly follow and carry out the Party's ideas and rules." They are also told to "aggressively expand the struggle" against Falun Gong. This also includes groups that want to separate from China or support Taiwan's independence. Other government groups thought to be involved include the Ministry of State Security, the 610 Office, and the People's Liberation Army.
