Over 1,000 practitioners and supporters of Falun Gong throughout the United Sates and Canada will gather to report escalated violence and turmoil instigated by Chinese President Jiang Zemin. Saturday's national press conference kicks off a series of weekend events to warn of worsened persecution against Falun Gong practitioners, and to appeal for basic human rights in China. All activities invite participation from the public and representatives from the Chinese consulate.

UPDATE: Upon receiving an open invitation to attend the Falun Gong Experience Sharing Conference on Sunday, Feb. 18 (details below), the Chinese Consulate contacted the Pasadena Civic Auditorium seeking to cancel the conference. The Civic Auditorium denied the consulate's request.

National Press Conference in Los Angeles:

Time:	February 17th, Saturday, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Place:	El Pueblo Historical Monument (next to Olvera Street and Chinatown) 622 North Main St, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Featured Presenters:

• Professor Zhang Kulun, a Canadian practitioner recently released from a Chinese labor camp, will give testimony of his illegal imprisonment and torture.
• Journalist Danny Schechter, author of Falun Gong's Challenge to China, will present his independent investigation into the 19-month crackdown.
• Representatives of Falun Gong practitioners and supporters will deliver a statement and present a Letter of Commendation from California Senator Barbara Boxer.

Background:

Chinese President Jiang Zemin is using the tragic and misreported self-immolation event in Tiananmen Square to instigate increased violence against Falun Gong practitioners and to vilify Falun Gong worldwide. CNN reports that police in China have raided the homes of over 1,000 practitioners. A Chinese source reports incidents of mob violence and looting. Falun Gong practitioners and supporters are stepping forward to reveal cases of torture and mislabeled deaths, and to call upon the public to join their Appeal for Peace and Human Rights.

Supporting Events, Times & Locations:

• Close to 1,000 practitioners will join the Walk for Peace and Human Rights, Saturday from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., from El Pueblo Monument through Chinatown. Another 300 will have a subsequent Walk at 1 p.m. starting from Roxbury Park, 471 South Roxbury Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90212.
• Two candlelight vigils, Saturday from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., one at the Chinese Consulate: 433 Shatto Place, Los Angeles, CA 90020; and one at the Federal Building, 11000 Wilshire Blvd.
• Falun Gong Experience Sharing Conference, Sunday, Feb. 18th, from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Pasadena Civic Auditorium, 300 E. Green Street, Pasadena, CA 91101.

Questions contact:

John Li (626) 399-8889, Gina Sanchez (626) 798-1814, Lisa Li (310) 927-3367.

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