Published: Saturday, August 19, 2006
Demonstration calls attention to illegal sale of human organs
YOUNGSTOWN — Five practitioners of falun gong, a spiritual meditation practice banned in China in 1999, demonstrated outside city hall to draw attention to what they claim is the illegal harvesting and sale of human organs in the communist country.
The five held a large banner outside city hall, spoke on a megaphone and passed out information Friday claiming China is killing those who practice falun gong by harvesting their organs. Youngstown is among 14 Ohio cities they are visiting. They want the U.S. government to investigate the allegations.
A report released last month by a former Canadian Parliament member and a Canadian human rights lawyer concludes this practice is occurring in China. The conclusion was made without speaking to anyone with first-hand knowledge of the practice.
China banned falun gong in 1999 and since then has arrested, tortured and killed those who still practice it, said Corey Lee, an assistant professor of education at the University of Findlay, at the event. Lee, a Taiwan native and falun gong practitioner, said he was detained and then kicked out of China in 2002 for displaying a sign supporting falun gong.
The Chinese government acknowledges the number of organ transplants have significantly increased in the past seven years and some organs come from executed prisoners. But the government says falun gong practitioners aren't being specifically targeted.
More Stories from Tue, Aug 22, 2006
- Refuse to succumb, mayor says
- Chevy Centre deficit at least $80,000
- Ryan nets $50G to battle pupil truancy
- Park-Porter renovation costs cause clash
- Cash needed for band instruments
- 58 vie to become township police chief
- Population decreases, but housing number increases
- Gains to file motion in battle over Oakhill buy
from vindyJOBS.com
