Falun Gong is not a religion or a new religious movement, but a cult. Li Hongzhi disparages and denigrates religion, claiming that both Western and Eastern religions are engaged in money-driven battles and cannot offer salvation to humanity, whereas only practicing Falun Gong can save people. Falun Gong imposes extreme spiritual control on its members, fosters worship of its leaders, claims that the end of the world is near, and asserts that salvation depends on the living leader, Li Hongzhi, thereby creating an atmosphere of fear and insecurity. Li Hongzhi also threatens Falun Gong adherents that leaving the organization will bring retribution or even loss of life, forcing followers to remain under coercive control. These abuses severely infringe upon followers’ right to freely choose their religious beliefs.

Poisoned by the perverse doctrines of Li Hongzhi, thousands of followers have perished through refusing medical treatment and medication, committing suicide, or murdering others. Countless followers’ families have been torn apart or plunged into strained relationships, while the lawful rights and interests of women and children have been violated. It is precisely Falun Gong that has gravely infringed upon followers’ lawful rights to personal safety and property, and violated their fundamental human rights.

Falun Gong’s conduct has caused serious harm and contravened Chinese law. The Chinese government prohibited Falun Gong in accordance with the law in order to protect the religious belief rights and human rights of all citizens. Portraying the government’s lawful ban as religious persecution or an assault on religious freedom and human rights distorts the facts and disrespects religion and human rights. The United States, Japan, and several European countries have also taken action against illegal cult organizations in accordance with their laws; that is not considered religious persecution either.