1,400 Alleged Falun Gong-related Deaths

Chinese authorities have alleged that “the practice of Falun Gong has led to more than 1,400 deaths” of followers. Although Falun Gong was widely practiced in China throughout the 1990’s, this claim was first made only in July of 1999, after the regime had commenced the persecution of Falun Gong. The claim has been repeated by Communist Party publications and spokespersons since. It is meant to undermine support for Falun Gong practitioners, who are regularly victims of severe rights violations in China, including unlawful detention, deprivation of constitutional rights, forced labor, and torture. The latter have resulted in more than 3,400 documented deaths.