Falun Gong's gone post fake news, says group

Leung Pak-hei

Spiritual movement Falun Gong's local branch has condemned a Facebook post claiming it is pulling out of the city and called it "fake news," adding it does not have any social media account.

Facebook group "The Hong Kong Association of Falun Dafa" on Wednesday night posted a statement saying it "will be pulling out [of the SAR] starting today."

The post came days after the Professional Teachers' Union announced its disbandment, sparking fears that more groups will follow suit.

But the Hong Kong Association of Falun Dafa clarified it is not pulling out. "The so-called 'Hong Kong Falun Dafa Association,' 'Falun Gong' social media accounts are fake accounts and do not represent the group," it said.

The group insisted it is properly registered in Hong Kong and has been law-abiding, enjoying the freedom of speech and freedom of religious belief guaranteed by the Basic Law.

Falun Gong has been in Hong Kong for 25 years, drawing followers who practice a mix of meditation, slow martial arts movements and breathing exercises, inspired by Buddhist and Taoist philosophy.

But it is more known for setting up street booths in busy shopping areas, such as Mong Kok and Causeway Bay, where it makes allegations against Beijing.

Beijing banned the group in the mainland in 1999, labeling it a "heretical organization" that disrupts social order and endangers national security.

The group has also come under fire from pro-Beijing politicians in Hong Kong. Lawmaker Elizabeth Quat Pui-fan, of the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong, pressed the government to investigate the group's funding sources. She also urged the government to outlaw the group in Hong Kong.

Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung responded that the government will deal with it in accordance with the law and combat any activity that endangers national security.

pakhei.leung@singtaonewscorp.com