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Canada: Information on the group leader/spokesperson for Falun Dafa followers who practice in Miliken Park, Scarborough, Ontario; whether male and female participants practice separately and if so, why (2002-2004)

In separate telephone interviews with the Research Directorate, two followers of Falun Gong who practice regularly in Miliken Park, Scarborough indicated that there is no leader or coordinator for the group of practitioners who exercise in the park (6 Dec. 2004; 10 Dec. 2004). Both followers explained that there is no membership list (6 Dec. 2004; 10 Dec. 2004) and one emphasized that anyone is welcome to join in the exercises (6 Dec. 2004). One of the followers, who has been exercising in Miliken Park since 1998, explained that volunteers within the group make arrangements such as providing mats and music for the exercises, and offer to teach exercises to newcomers (10 Dec. 2004). While there are people who come to practice Falun Gong exercises regularly, one follower noted that others come irregularly, or once or twice to learn the exercises and to have their pictures taken (6 Dec. 2004).

Both members indicated that male and female participants practice together in Miliken Park (6 Dec. 2004; 10 Dec. 2004). According to one of the practitioners, the teachings of Falun Gong do not prescribe the separation of male and female practitioners (6 Dec. 2004). Further corroborating information could not be found among sources consulted by the Research Directorate.

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim for refugee protection. Please find below the list of additional sources consulted in researching this Information Request.

Reference

Falun Gong follower. 10 December 2004. Telephone interview.

Falun Gong follower. 6 December 2004. Telephone interview.

Additional Sources Consulted

Oral source: Falun Dafa Association of Canada.

Internet sites, including: Clear Harmony, Friends of Falun Gong.