Falun Gong Chief Says Government Is Jealous

In a televised appearance, Falun Gong founder Li Hongzhi said China cracked down on the meditation group because government leaders envied its popularity. China replied by calling Li a dangerous criminal whose “cult” must be stopped.

Mainland China outlawed Falun Gong in 1999 as a threat to communist rule, but Li said the group, which has attracted millions of followers, has never been interested in challenging the government. Falun Gong says hundreds of its mainland followers have been killed in police custody. China has denied abuse.