Two Chinese Face Deportation by South Korea Despite Persecution Fears
[www.ntdtv.com 2011-09-09 10:31]
Two Chinese Falun Gong practitioners in South Korea are at risk of being deported to China, where adherents of the spiritual practice are persecuted by the Chinese Communist regime.
South Korean authorities took the couple away from their home late Tuesday night. We are keeping their identities private for their safety. The male Falun Gong practitioner is a volunteer for NTD’s branch in South Korea. Both have been trying to apply for refugee status in the country.
The couple’s friend, who asked to remain anonymous, was distraught after the incident.
[Friend of Detained Falun Gong Practitioner]:
“If they’re deported to China, they’re at risk of persecution, their organs may be harvested, and their lives will be at risk.”
Last month, the South Korean government was criticized for deporting three Falun Gong practitioners to China in July.
South Korean Falun Gong practitioners are calling for international assistance to prevent this latest deportation.
Since 1999, the Chinese Communist Party has been systematically persecuting Falun Gong. Adherents who escape the country often apply for refugee status, because they fear being persecuted if they return to their homeland.