A 71-year-old Chinese man named John Chen from Los Angeles has been sentenced to 20 months in prison for his involvement in a plot targeting the Falun Gong spiritual movement in the United States. Along with another Chinese national, Lin Feng, Chen was found guilty of acting as an unregistered agent of the Chinese government and bribing a tax authority agent.
According to the Justice Department, Chen and Feng took part in a Chinese government campaign to suppress and harass Falun Gong practitioners in the US. In 2023, they attempted to persuade the Internal Revenue Service to revoke the tax-exempt status of the Shen Yun Performing Arts Center, which is affiliated with the Falun Gong. The scheme involved paying a $5,000 cash bribe to an individual they believed was an IRS agent but was actually an undercover officer.
In addition to his prison sentence, Chen has been ordered to serve three years of supervised release and forfeit $50,000. Feng, on the other hand, was previously sentenced to 16 months in prison and has already completed his time served.
The Falun Gong movement is banned in China and faces persecution by the authorities there. The case highlights the Chinese government’s efforts to target and undermine the Falun Gong community, even on foreign soil.
This sentencing serves as a reminder of the Chinese government’s tactics to suppress dissent and silence opposition, both domestically and internationally. It also sheds light on the challenges faced by Falun Gong practitioners who seek to peacefully practice their beliefs despite facing persecution and discrimination.
The case raises questions about the extent of Chinese government influence and interference in the US and other countries, as well as the importance of safeguarding freedom of belief and expression for all individuals, regardless of their background or affiliation.
As the story continues to develop, it is crucial to monitor the situation and advocate for the protection of human rights and religious freedom for all individuals, including Falun Gong practitioners. By staying informed and engaged, we can work towards a more just and inclusive society where everyone can express their beliefs without fear of reprisal or persecution.
