Maryland Lieutenant Governor Candidate Condemns CCP’s Transnational Repression of Falun Gong – Urgent Breaking News
Poolesville, Maryland – September 23, 2025 – In a powerful statement at the Poolesville Day celebration, Maryland lieutenant governor candidate Brenda Thiam has sharply condemned the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) escalating efforts to suppress Falun Gong practitioners, the Shen Yun Performing Arts troupe, and independent media outlets like The Epoch Times within the United States. This breaking news comes amid growing concerns about the CCP’s increasingly aggressive tactics to silence dissent and extend its influence beyond its borders. This is a developing story, optimized for Google News indexing and SEO best practices.
Rising Threats and a Call for Action
Thiam, a former state legislator, labeled the CCP’s actions as “unacceptable and intolerable,” emphasizing the need to safeguard American institutions and citizens from foreign interference. “We must protect American institutions and U.S. citizens from hostiles at home and abroad, and do our best to protect our citizens and put (threatening) in serious consequences,” she stated during an interview with The Epoch Times. Her remarks follow a disturbing surge in threats targeting Shen Yun and Falun Gong groups, with the Falun Dafa Information Center reporting 171 accumulated incidents of violent threats – including bomb threats, arson attempts, and gunfire – since March 2024.
The Poolesville Day event itself saw Falun Gong practitioners engaging with the community, sharing information about their spiritual practice and gathering signatures in support of their cause and against the CCP’s persecution. Attendees like Connie expressed concern over perceived bias in reporting by outlets like The New York Times, attributing it to CCP influence.
The CCP’s Transnational Repression: A Pattern of Control
This isn’t an isolated incident. Legal scholar Yuan Hongbing, formerly of Peking University, revealed that Xi Jinping ordered an escalation of transnational persecution of Falun Gong in 2022, primarily through “public opinion war” and “legal war.” This strategy involves leveraging propaganda, manipulating legal systems, and intimidating individuals to silence criticism and suppress the practice of Falun Gong, which is based on the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance – values Thiam specifically praised as “very important to our community.”
The CCP’s fear stems from the global success of Shen Yun Performing Arts, founded in 2006 with the mission of reviving traditional Chinese culture “before communism.” The troupe’s performances, enjoyed by millions worldwide, present a stark contrast to the CCP’s narrative and expose the realities of life under its rule. This exposure is perceived as a direct threat by the regime.
Beyond Shen Yun: A Broader Campaign of Intimidation
The CCP’s tactics extend beyond threats against performers and venues. Recent investigations have uncovered links between individuals threatening Shen Yun and CCP-affiliated organizations, including the Beijing Dance Academy. A Chinese YouTube personality who publicly threatened Shen Yun is currently facing weapons charges in the U.S., and reportedly collaborated with a New York Times reporter. This raises serious questions about the potential for foreign influence within American media.
Thiam voiced strong support for the Anti-Transnational Repression Act passed in Texas and expressed her backing for similar legislation in Maryland, stating, “When we see someone infringing on the constitutional rights of others, we certainly have to act under the law.” She also connected the CCP’s actions to fundamental American values, asserting that the nation’s foundation “is built on the principles of the Bible (based on faith in God) and any act that wants to subvert these principles cannot be tolerated.”
The Importance of Vigilance and Protecting Freedom
Federal contractor Amy Johnson, after learning more about the persecution of Falun Gong and attending a Shen Yun performance, expressed her growing awareness of the CCP’s nature. “You (Falun Gong practitioners) are defending the dignity and freedom of mankind,” she said, adding that the values of Falun Gong align with American and Christian principles. Her sentiment underscores the broader implications of the CCP’s actions – a challenge to the very foundations of freedom and human rights.
The situation demands continued vigilance and a firm commitment to protecting fundamental freedoms. As the CCP’s reach expands, it’s crucial to support those who are targeted and to hold the regime accountable for its actions. Staying informed about these developments and engaging in open dialogue are essential steps in safeguarding our values and preserving a free and open society. For more in-depth coverage of this evolving story and other critical news, continue to visit Archyde.com.
