“A Bomb Has Been Placed In The Church If The Event Is Not Canceled By Tomorrow Night Cooperation With Falun Gong Is Not Terminated And A Statement Is Not Made Online The Bomb Will Be Detonated”
The chilling message above was posted on the online ticketing service Eventbrite five days ago, on November 23.
It referred to the showing of a film this Saturday in St John’s Catholic Church, Campbelltown – which has now been cancelled.
The threat was referred to the police, whose investigation including a search of the church.
No bomb was found.
The film to be show, called State Organs, purports to investigate allegations that the Chinese Government has been systematically harvesting organs from prisoners of conscience, including Falun Gong practitioners, Uyghurs, and other detained groups.
St John’s parish priest, Father John Ho, informed parishioners of the cancellation.
“I write to you with an important update regarding a planned event that was scheduled to be held in our parish hall by an unrelated community group,’’ Father Ho said.
“We have been made aware of a potential security concern involving a bomb threat directed at our parish hall. While these situations are extremely rare, the safety of our community is of the utmost importance and must always remain our highest priority.
“As a result, and in consultation with the appropriate authorities, we have made the decision to cancel the event scheduled for Saturday, November 29.’’
Macarthur Social Justice Network, which had been promoting the showing of the film on its website, also posted a statement regarding the cancellation.
“We regret to inform you that the scheduled screening of State Organs on Saturday, 29 November at 10am at St John’s Parish Hall, 35 Cordeaux Street, Campbelltown has been cancelled,’’ MSJN said in its statement.
“This decision follows repeated anonymous bomb threats targeting the event. While local police are actively investigating these threats, they have advised that they cannot guarantee the safety of attendees at this time.
“Your safety is our highest priority, and we believe this is the most responsible course of action. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused and appreciate your understanding during this difficult situation.
“It is a sad sign of the times that, in a democratic country, individuals feel they can intimidate others into silence through fear and threats.
“We remain committed to the principles of free expression and human rights, and we will not allow these actions to diminish the importance of this conversation.’’
Good on you Southwest Voice for reporting on this important issue. It’s hard to imagine that this could happen in Australia.
Someone out there does not want Australians to discover the horrific human rights abuses committed by the Chinese Communist Government against Falun Gong practitioners.
All the more reason to expose the true story.
This is really something everyone should know about!
Given the trade agreements which I believe are to be further stronger, will the federal government find out about this? If they do, will it have any impact?
Very disappointing to see such threats, whether they are empty threats or not, and even more disappointing to see such threats curbing everyday activities in a country which is supposed to be free.
I visited Macarthur Social Justice Network and noted the messages below. The screening of “State Organs” is unmasking transplant abuse in China. I’m inspired by their caring and their courage when facing the bomb and shooting threats. Let’s spread to more. Say no to threats in our communities from foreign governments. National Security Amendment (Espionage and Foreign Interference) Act 2018 is ready for us take actions.
Dear Attendees,
We regret to inform you that the scheduled screening of STATE ORGANS on Saturday, 29 November at 10:00 AM at St John’s Parish Hall, 35 Cordeaux Street, Campbelltown has been CANCELLED.
This decision follows repeated anonymous bomb threats targeting the event. While local police are actively investigating these threats, they have advised that they cannot guarantee the safety of attendees at this time.
Your safety is our highest priority, and we believe this is the most responsible course of action. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused and appreciate your understanding during this difficult situation.
It is a sad sign of the times that, in a democratic country, individuals feel they can intimidate others into silence through fear and threats. We remain committed to the principles of free expression and human rights, and we will not allow these actions to diminish the importance of this conversation.
Thank you for your support and commitment to human rights awareness.
Stay safe,