Cult ban in line with democracy

By Xun Feng

Going along with the Constitution, the government has been making efforts to construct and strengthen socialist democracy.

The Constitution guarantees the freedoms of speech, assembly and religion. However, these democratic rights have been abused by some people with ill intentions.

Li Hongzhi and his Falun Gong cult have taken advantage of China's democratic environment through spreading evil teachings and engaging in actions which go against society and the government.

By blending the doctrines of two qigong forms, emulating certain styles of foreign dances and stealing some Buddhist ideas and terms, Li created Falun Gong.

Using the disguise of practising qigong, Li spread his heretic teachings with the aim to confuse and cheat people. His evil preachings have damaged both the body and soul of his followers, resulting in many family tragedies. Li and his followers have organized many illegal gatherings outside the government and media organizations even after the cult was banned. Such activities have seriously disturbed public order and jeopardized the nation's stable situation of reform and development.

China's decision to ban Falun Gong cult conforms to the spirit of constructing socialist democracy and advancing the rule of law.

If Li and his cult were let to drift, it would infringe upon the democratic rights of the majority of the Chinese and curtail the progress of socialist democracy

(China Daily 1999/11/24)