AUSTRALIA. FALUN GONG COMPLAINS AGAINST BAN ON PROTESTS OUTSIDE CHINESE EMBASSY

human rights lawyer Bernard Collaery told the Supreme Court in the Australian Capital Territory that a ban on Falun Gong demonstrations was threatening the right of ordinary Australians to protest against the death penalty. The Falun Gong was attempting to overturn a government ban on protests near the Chinese embassy. The foreign affairs minister, Alexander Downer, had been issuing monthly certificates prohibiting loud music and banners by the group. Lawyer for the spiritual movement Bernard Collaery told the court the fundamental concept of freedom of expression was under threat and that Australian families wanting to protest against a death sentence could be affected by the ban.