Madam, - As an Irish person practising Falun Gong for 10 years in Ireland I am deeply hurt by your publication's use of a slanderous quote from the Chinese Communist Party about the practice ("IOC officials agree to allow China block 'sensitive' websites", July 31st).
Falun Gong stands for truth, compassion and tolerance. Your editors and reporters have had much contact with me and other Falun Gong practitioners in our efforts to end the persecution of Falun Gong in China.
Have we given some indication to show we are not trying to be good law-abiding citizens looking to adhere to the principles of Falun Gong? I wonder in Hitler's time did The Irish Timesprint things demonising the Jews and adding weight and validity to Hitler's claims strengthening his grip on power, and further worsening the position of the innocent Jewish community.
Please think of the effect what you print has on the hundred thousands of people who read your paper. Many of our Falun Gong practitioners in Ireland have been tortured for their beliefs in China, some have missing family members.
We are working tirelessly to stop the persecution but a single sentence propagating unsubstaniated claims by what has proved to be an evil Communist party is deeply hurtful. - Yours, etc,
GERALD O'CONNOR, Ratoath, Co Meath.