The recent article, in Le Monde diplomatique concerning the persecution of Falun Gong in China presents a perspective that minimizes the human rights violations faced by its followers. Of addressing the documented abuses against Falun Gong, the author, Timothée de Rauglaudre seems focused on discrediting the movement and downplaying the severity of Chinas crackdown on it.
De Rauglaudres piece is filled with inaccuracies and omissions showing a bias in favor of the Chinese Communist Partys actions. Than providing journalism it comes across more as a platform for CCP propaganda. Of concern is the authors known stance against religion and his connections to cult movements in France, which may influence his portrayal of Falun Gong.
A significant issue with the article is its disregard for evidence of forced organ harvesting from Falun Gong members, in China.
De Rauglaudre mentions some ” reports” supporting these claims but conveniently overlooks the other credible sources that have also documented this disturbing practice.
For instance he fails to acknowledge the 2006 report, by Canadian Member of Parliament David Kilgour and human rights lawyer David Matas. Following an investigation they determined that the Chinese government and its agencies have been involved in “harvesting organs from Falun Gong practitioners on a large scale.” This report, which the author curiously leaves out is widely respected for its thoroughness and impartiality.
Likewise de Rauglaudre downplays the conclusions of the China Tribunal, an organization established in 2018 to probe forced organ harvesting in China. After listening to over 50 witnesses and examining evidence the Tribunals final ruling stated that “the killing of detainees and the appalling practice of forced organ harvesting have been occurring on a scale throughout China for years.” The Tribunal even suggested that these actions might amount to crimes, against humanity and genocide.
By cherry picking a reports that suit his agenda the writer distorts the truth and raises doubts, about the widespread agreement among human rights groups, legal scholars and medical experts on the organized nature of forced organ harvesting in China.
De Rauglaudres nonchalant dismissal of these documented violations is concerning, given the seriousness of the accusations and the abundance of evidence from international bodies. The United Nations has repeatedly voiced concerns about how Falun Gong adherentsre treated in China. In a 2006 report the UN Special Rapporteur on torture and other forms of mistreatment stated;
“The Special Rapporteur remains troubled by reports of deaths in detention facilities…. Accounts depict distressing situations where detainees many linked to Falun Gong perish due to abuse, neglect or lack of care. The alleged acts of torture are so vicious and barbaric that words fail to capture their horror.”
Likewise Human Rights Watch has extensively chronicled the persecution faced by Falun Gong followers. In their 2002 publication ” Meditation; Chinas Crackdown on Falun gong ” they observed;
“The government’s crackdown, on Falun gong has been so comprehensive that it has impacted every facet of society… The campaign has been characterized by efforts to eradicate Falun gong using both force and persuasion with a focus, on coercion.
Amnesty International has consistently expressed concerns about the treatment of Falun Gong followers in China. In a report from 2013 they highlighted that practicing Falun Gong puts individuals at risk of being detained facing unjust trials and enduring torture and mistreatment while in custody.
The authors portrayal of Falun Gong as a “and “movement is misleading. Although the article acknowledges its roots in qigong practices it overlooks the widespread popularity and acceptance of Falun Gong in China before the CCPs persecution campaign.
According to scholar David Palmer there was support for Falun Gong within the elite. Including among law enforcement and military personnel. Prior to the government crackdown. This indicates that the practice was not inherently seen as “scientific” or “anti-social” until it was perceived as a threat to political control, by the CCP.
The authors portrayal of the Falun Gongs beliefs as “reactionary” seems to be an attempt to discredit the movement by linking it with extreme ideologies. However a closer look, at the teachings of Falun Gong reveals a philosophy centered on values like compassion, truthfulness and tolerance. Values that align well with societies.
The articles dismissive treatment of Falun Gongs support and advocacy efforts is concerning. De Rauglaudre portrays the movements outreach as propaganda overlooking international concern and condemnation regarding Chinas persecution of Falun Gong practitioners.
The authors effort to associate Falun Gong supporters in the US and Europe with wing or ” communist” political motives appears to be a tactic to undermine the movements credibility. In reality Falun Gong has received backing from individuals and groups including human rights advocates, religious figures and elected officials spanning political affiliations.
This widespread international backing underscores the seriousness of Falun Gongs situation, than suggesting any anti-communist” agenda.
The global community has strongly condemned the persecution of Falun Gong due, to its violation of human rights. In a statement from 2015 Sophie Richardson, the China director at Human Rights Watch highlighted the severity and unjust nature of the government’s actions against Falun Gong practitioners. The use of torture, detention and forced labor by authorities has raised international concerns.
As concerns grow over the Chinese Communist Partys disregard for rights it is essential for journalists and commentators to address these issues with diligence, objectivity and respect for those who have suffered under rule. Unfortunately the article in Le Monde diplomatique does not meet these standards. Undermines the pursuit of truth and justice.
Sources;
1. Report by David Matas and David Kilgour on Allegations of Organ Harvesting from Falun Gong Practitioners in China (Center for Justice and Accountability July 6 2006).
2. Judgment from The Independent Tribunal on Forced Organ Harvesting from Prisoners of Conscience, in China (China Tribunal, March 1 2020). The United Nations released a report in 2006 by the Special Rapporteur on torture and other forms of inhuman or degrading treatment.
In 2002 Human Rights Watch published a report titled ” Meditation; Chinas Campaign Against Falungong.”
Amnesty International highlighted the crackdown, on Falun Gong and similar organizations in China in 2013.
An article by David A. Palmer titled “The Doctrine of Li Hongzhi; Falun Gong Between Sectarianism and Universal Salvation” was published in Perspectives chinoises in March April 2001.
Human Rights Watch documented cases of torture. Forced confession in China, in 2015.
