Falun Gong protesters lose court appeal to save their sidewalk structure

Vancouver Sun/May 11, 2007

Vancouver, B.C. -- Court of Appeal justice has dismissed an application by Falun Gong protesters to have a full trial over the City of Vancouver's order that they remove a permanent structure from outside the Chinese consulate.

Justice Mary Saunders' decision upholds an earlier court ruling.

She also ruled against an attempt by the Falun Gong to introduce new evidence.

Falun Gong has maintained a peaceful vigil for five years outside the consulate on Granville Street, protesting the persecution of Falun Gong members in China.

In June 2006, the city ordered demonstrators to remove their billboards and the small structure attached to the consulate fence, citing a city bylaw banning structures on public property without a permit.

The city says the Falun Gong can continue to protest against the Chinese government but without the permanent structure.