NEW YORK (FDI) – On March 5, 2003, the Falun Dafa Information Center reported the death of Ms. Fengxia Xiong who was tortured to death in a detention center in Liyuzhuang Town, Dingxing County, Hebei Province on October 13, 2002. (news)
Recently, sources in China obtained photographs of Ms. Xiong’s corpse shortly after she died, providing clear evidence of severe torture
 Corpse of 56-year-old Ms. Fengxia Xiong |
 Ms. Xiong's teeth clenched tightly as she died |
 Right side of Ms. Xiong's back and buttocks reveals extensive bruises and abrasions |
 Ms. Xiong's back completely covered in bruises, abrasions and perhaps burn marks |
 Left arm showing extensive bruising |
 Ms. Xiong's backside |
 Ms. Xiong's legs |
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NEWS - Jul. 14, 2003
Falun Dafa Information Center, www.faluninfo.net
Background
Falun Gong, also known as Falun Dafa (about), is a practice of meditation and exercises with teachings based on the universal principle of "Truthfulness-Compassion-Tolerance." It is a practice that was taught in private for thousands of years before being made public in 1992 by Mr. Li Hongzhi. Falun Gong has roots in traditional Chinese culture, but it is distinct and separate from other practices such as the religions of Buddhism and Taoism. Since its introduction in 1992, it quickly spread by word of mouth throughout China, and is now practiced in over 50 countries.
With government estimates of as many as 100 million practicing Falun Gong, China's President Jiang Zemin outlawed the peaceful practice in July 1999 (report), fearful of anything touching the hearts and minds of more citizens than the Communist Party. Unable to crush the spirit of millions who had experienced improved health and positive life changes from Falun Gong, Jiang's regime has intensified its propaganda campaign to turn public opinion against the practice while quietly imprisoning, torturing and even murdering those who practice it.
The Falun Dafa Information Center has verified details of 754 deaths (reports / sources) since the persecution of Falun Gong in China began in 1999. Government officials inside China, however, report that the actual death toll is well over 1,600, while expert sources estimate that figure to be much higher. Hundreds of thousands have been detained, with more than 100,000 being sentenced to forced labor camps, typically without trial.