Home  /  Editor's Pick

Falun Gong show thwarted in Australia

2008-03-31

Australia's Victorian MPs were persuaded not to attend a stage show it has denounced as propaganda for the Falun Gong movement, sources from Australian media The Age on March 31.

China's Melbourne Consul- General Liang Shugen wrote to politicians urging them not to accept invitations to performances of the Chinese Spectacular at the Arts Centre.

About 130 Victorian MPs were invited to a VIP function on opening night but only seven attended. Four MPs who had accepted invitations cancelled at the last minute, without explanation.

Many performers of the show are Chinese exiles who follow Falun Gong — a spiritual movement banned by the ruling Communist Party.

Mr Shugen's letter claims the Divine Performing Arts group, through its links to Falun Gong, was trying to "sabotage friendly relationships" between China and the rest of the world.

He describes Falun Gong as a "despicable" group trying to gain support for its "anti-society, anti-human, anti-science motives under the disguise of cultural activities".

Mr Shugen writes: "In view of the good relations between China and Victoria it's my sincere hope that you will not attend the performance and will also avoid any future contact with Falun Gong and its affiliates."

Lead dancer and assistant company manager Vina Lee said the show told traditional spiritual stories suppressed by the Chinese Government.

A State Government spokesman did not say which MPs attended the event. The Chinese Consul-General could not be reached.

(Facts.org.cn, March 31, 2008)

分享到: