FORMER Chevalier College student Kate Douglass has spoken out against the Chinese Government for its tireless repression of the Falun Gong spiritual movement.

Kate, 21, who married Simon Vereshaka on Saturday in Mittagong, has been practising the teachings of Falun Gong - or Falun DaFa - for nearly two years.

Last November, Kate and a group of friends visited China before undergoing what she claimed was a harrowing experience at the hands of the Chinese police.

Towards the end of their visit, the group tried to unveil a pro-Falun Gong banner in Tiananmen Square but quickly came to the attention of the police.

“Within five seconds, police cars started pulling up all around the square before we were all taken away.

“We were then held in a special detention centre below Tiananmen Square where we were interrogated and held before being deported.

“The Chinese police were very, very aggressive and quite brutal, in fact, one of my friends was punched in the face and suffered a fractured wrist.

“During the whole time we were held we had no contact whatsoever with the Australian embassy or were allowed to make any telephone calls”.

Falun Gong, which Kate defines as truth, compassion and forbearance, is officially banned in China and its founder, Li Hongzhi, lives in exile in the United States.

Kate estimates that the movement could have as many as 100 million followers worldwide, although the Chinese Communist Government puts the total at a conservative two million.

“I try to exercise at least once a day but I don’t do it religiously, and sessions can last anything from a few minutes to a few hours. It’s an ancient practice which improves a person’s mind and body, and all of our classes are free of charge.

“I think China fears the Falun Gong because it teaches people to think and allows them freedom and expression”.

For more information about Falun Gong, contact Southern Highlands practitioner Gaary Hasie on 4872 4098 or log onto the movements web site at www.falundafa.org