Following the drive-by shooting of Falun Gong practitioners in South Africa that left one person in serious condition, the victim’s family members requested that Australia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs advocate more for the security for their citizens overseas.

Seven Australian Falun Gong practitioners with their families met with Ambassador Harold Hoyana and Secretary Rasheeda Adam regarding the drive-by shooting of Falun Gong practitioner in South Africa.

A full investigation is under way by police officials, according to the South Africa Embassy.

The spiritual movement Falun Gong was banned five years ago in China and is severely repressed in China. However, while practitioners’ human rights are violated in China, and practitioners have complained about harassment by Chinese officials overseas, this is the first time practitioners have been shot at, according to Li Ying, a family member of one of the victim.

Ying said that before her husband Li Lian Zhong left to South Africa, he received a threatening phone that clearly did not want him to go to South Africa. “It is quite clear that the shooting was no accident but a planned maneuver. The gunmen did not attempt to take any money or property and the incident spoiled his intent to subpoena Zeng Qinghong for his participation in the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners in China.”

“South Africa has also seen days of civil injustice, as well as a peaceful movement towards democracy,” said Adams, “I understand why some Falun Gong practitioners are making many sacrifices, and in some cases the ultimate sacrifice to obtain their freedom of belief.”

Shooting victim David Liang is a father of two children and caretaker for his disabled mother. He suffered bullet wounds in both feet. Liang is by profession a taxi driver. Family members hope the surgery is successful so he will be able to return to work.