Survivors' stories

Annie was born and lived in China for most of her life. She was an exemplary citizen and had a small but growing business. Annie and her husband practiced Falun Gong, a spiritual exercise that gave their life an additional meaning and helped them in every way.

In 1999 when the Falun Gong practice was  outlawed in China, Annie refused to obey it. She continued to practice Falun Gong  and was determined to tell those around her about the benefits of the practice. 

Annie was illegally arrested and spent a total of three years in serious detention facilities. She was forced to work as a slave in a labour camp while experiencing abuse and endless methods of torture. Annie was severely beaten by prison guards and other prisoners. Many times, they tied her hands with handcuffs and pinned her to the wall like the crucified. Prison guards  tied her head , hands and feet together and locked her with shackles and handcuffs  to a chair. Sometimes they made her walk in this position around the courtyard of the prison with thin clothes during the winter time. In addition, the prison guards  deprived her of sleep as a torture method. 

The government was hoping that Annie will denounce the practice of Falun Gong but she continued to follow her conscious and her beliefs. 

Annie’s husband was also arrested and taken to a forced labour camp. Their little daughter was left alone at home. She was not allowed to see her daughter which she described as the harshest punishment and the most tormenting experience of her life. 

Annie’s blood was tested on three different occasions. She was injected with unknown substances and drugs.She was forced into an army hospital to have a complete physical examination. She believes that she was a candidate to be a source for forced organ transplant. 

Today Annie lives with her family in Canada. She is coping with the long-lasting consequences of the traumatic experiences she endured. She finds comfort in her family and the practice of Falun Gong. Annie is determined to continue to tell the truth about her practice and about the Chinese persecution in order to bring freedom for her people, whom are still being persecuted in China.