China and Religious Protest: the Falun Gong
The Conflict
A large religious movement called the Falun Gong has garnered a lot of attention in the People's Republic of China and around the world. China has determined that the organization is illegal, and has punished public practice of the religion with imprisonment.
Political
- China has a long history of violence and social discord associated with religious movements.
- The Chinese government views the Falun Gong as a cult and a threat to public order.
- Adherents to the Falun Gong regard the practice as a basic human right.
Religious
• The People's Republic of China does not recognize the right to religious practice and as a communist government does not support religious freedom.
The tension in Beijing's Tiananmen Square was palpable the morning of April 25, 2000. Plain-clothes police officers milled around the square, anticipating a possible demonstration by adherents of the outlawed group known as Falun Gong. With prearranged precision, devotees of the group emerged from the crowds of tourists, lofted Falun Gong banners above their heads, and began practicing the organization's hallmark exercises. Other demonstrators chose simply to sit and meditate. The hodgepodge group included all types of people from middle-aged women to young children.
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