July 20, 2008

A protest against the Chinese government took place Sunday near Chinatown

Falun Gong practitioners in Calgary held a protest against the Chinese government Sunday, calling for an end to the persecution of Falun Gong before the Beijing Olympics start in three weeks.

It was held on Centre Street and 4 Avenue S.W. which is across the street from Calgary's Chinatown.

The protest attracted a lot of attention from people passing by.

Falun Gong is a traditional Chinese spiritual discipline and meditation practiced by millions around the world.

Beichen Sun, a protest spokesperson, says in China people are brutally persecuted for practicing Falun Gong, despite Chinese government promises to improve human rights after being awarded the Olympics.

Sun says the situation in China is getting worse.

"Actually, just when the Olympics are approaching in China, the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners and other groups is escalating."