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This is an archive article published on November 1, 1999

Crackdown on Falun Gong intensifies

BEIJING, OCT 31: Chinese Police confirmed the arrest of four key leaders of the outlawed Falun Gong cult for allegedly violating the law ...

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BEIJING, OCT 31: Chinese Police confirmed the arrest of four key leaders of the outlawed Falun Gong cult for allegedly violating the law today, a day after the country8217;s legislature passed a tough anti-cult law.

Li Chang, Wang Zhiwen, Li Liewu and Yao Jie were arrested on October 19 for violating various articles of China8217;s criminal laws8217; and charged under the new law by Beijing8217;s public security bureau, official Xinhua news agency said. Li, Wang and Yao were charged with illegally obtaining and leaking state secrets, as authorities showed no let-up in the crackdown on the sect.

Ji and Yao were also charged with running illegal businesses.Defending the crackdown, foreign ministry spokeswoman Zhang Qiyue said being merciful to an evil cult means trampling on the human rights of all citizens.8217;

As the leaders prepared to go on trial, ordinary members of the sect, founded by a former Chinese government clerk, Li Hongzhi, defended their faith 8211; a mixture of Buddhist and Taoist principles, Chinesebreathing exercises and meditation.

Falun Gong members denied that the group is a cult. The sect has some 70 million followers in mainland China and another 100 million world-wide. The crackdown in May followed a peaceful protest in Tiananmen Square demanding official recognition and end to harassment.

 

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