Falun Gong conference 'aims to disrupt HK's social order'

Leftist newspapers continued attacks on the Falun Gong yesterday, with front-page reports carrying criticism from pro-Beijing figures that the sect was destabilising the SAR and the mainland.

Ta Kung Pao, Wen Wei Pao and the Hong Kong Commercial Daily led with reports about Falun Gong activities. There was criticism of the sect by the spokesman for China's embassy in Washington, Liu Xiaoming, who said the mainland decision to outlaw the Falun Gong was supported by all Chinese people, including those in Hong Kong.

Mr Liu said the Falun Gong conference, which took place at City Hall yesterday, and other public demonstrations in Hong Kong were aimed at winning international sympathy and disrupting Hong Kong's social order.

Ta Kung Pao ran front-page reports on the sect, including a story which carried criticism by National People's Congress local deputies and a legislator.

Lawmaker Choy So-yuk of the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment of Hong Kong accused Falun Gong members of adopting a high-profile and politicised approach to their activities.

Deputies said the sect had been built on superstition without any scientific understanding and had gradually become entangled with politics. This showed followers wanted to abuse their freedom in Hong Kong to challenge the SAR Government, and their activities were aimed at disrupting social order.