Vancouver's Mayor Orders Falun Gong to Stop Their Protest
Vancouver Mayor Sam Sullivan has orderd Falun Gong to stop their on-going protest in front of the city's Chinese Consulate. It is, if I am not mistaken, currently the world's longest continuously running protest having started by at least 2001.
Sullivan claims the group is contravening bylaws, while civil rights activists say they shouldn't be silenced. One wonders whether or not this has anything to do with the recent negotiations to finally get China to add Canada to its approved tourist destination list. Certainly the Chinese have been unhappy about the protest and called for its stop on numerous occasions. This could possibly be seen as a conciliatory and co-operative action, saying to the PRC "look, we're on your side, now send us your tourists." Alternately Sullivan and others could just be tired of the Falun Gong activists on the street by the consulate, and indeed concerned about enforcing bylaws.
Link: http://www.cbc.ca/story/canada/national/2006/06/09/vancouver-falun-gong-protest.html
Comments
Every time I drive past the consulate there does not seem to be too much going on in the way of protesting... they have a big display up with photos and info about the Falun Gong. This structure might be what Mr. Sullivan is on about with the bylaws. It certainly can't be because the protesters are rowdy or disturbing anybody in the neighbourhood.
I've never been a Sam Sullivan fan, and if he seriously goes ahead with what I think he's going to do (evict the protesters) then I think I like him even less.
chris.
Posted by: Chris Slater | June 10, 2006 09:49 AM
Hi Chris. It's good to hear from you.
I am of the personal belief that this is done largely to please the Chinese. They're as we all know no friends to the Falun Gong (at least not anymore). And they have many things we want. Sullivan especially wants that Approved Destination Status. There has been increased action on both provincial and federal levels trying to speed up the process.
Posted by: Ryan | June 10, 2006 03:02 PM
Sam is after the money not human rights. It's obvious that he caved in under pressure from the commies. The Chinese Consulate has harassed the City and the cops for years to have them shut down the protest site.
I hope it doesn't come to that because the Falun Gong really need to draw attention to their cause to stop the killing. It is a cry for help. And they were given permission from the previous administration it's not as if they're intruding.
People like Sam would rather put economic interests ahead of human rights...that's the sad part. And hiding behind a bylaw campaign to crackdown on Falun Gong is even sadder. I hope he will rethink his stance. It can't be good for his political career
Posted by: Makina | June 21, 2006 02:32 AM
Thanks for your insight Makina.
Posted by: Ryan | June 21, 2006 10:22 AM