Finland’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs has criticised threats made by former Hong Kong chief executive Leung Chun-ying against Falun Gong practitioners in Helsinki, calling the incident “unfortunate” and “unacceptable.”
The confrontation took place earlier in August at Sibelius Park, where Falun Gong practitioners were collecting signatures to raise awareness of ongoing human rights abuses against the faith in China. Leung, now vice chairman of China’s top political advisory body, approached the booth and demanded the names of those present, according to video footage published by The Epoch Times.
“Finland is an open society where freedom of assembly and expression are fundamental rights, protected by the constitution,” the Finnish foreign ministry stated. “Intimidation of or threats against the civil society are not acceptable.”
Falun Gong, a spiritual practice based on the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance, has been banned and persecuted in China since 1999. The incident in Helsinki has raised concerns among practitioners in the Nordic region, many of whom have fled persecution in China but fear for family members who remain in the country.
