E/CN.4/2005/61/Add.1 Page 17 reports of systemic repression against the Falun Gong and other “heretical organizations” (“xiejiao zuzhi”). Over the past five years, hundreds of cases of alleged violations of the human rights of Falun Gong practitioners have been brought to the attention of the Special Rapporteurs. Many of these allegations have been reported back to the Chinese authorities and were reflected in reports of the Special Rapporteurs to the Commission on Human Rights. 60. The Special Rapporteurs were concerned that reports of arrest, detention, illtreatment, torture, denial of adequate medical treatment, sexual violence, deaths, and unfair trial of members of so-called “heretical organizations”, in particular Falun Gong practitioners, are increasing. They were concerned that these allegations may reflect a deliberate and institutionalized policy of the authorities to target specific groups such as the Falun Gong. 61. According to information received, on 10 June 1999, the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party established an office for dealing with the Falun Gong, commonly referred to as the “610 Office” (for the date of its establishment), and officially later as the State Council Office for the Prevention and Handling of Cults. This institution reportedly was given a mandate to repress Falun Gong and other “heretical organizations”, and is operating outside of the rule of law. Reports indicate that the Falun Gong was officially banned on 22 July 1999 through a decision of the Ministry of Civil Affairs and since then several decisions, notices, regulations and other judicial interpretations have been issued by the Government and judicial authorities to legitimize the official repression against “heretical organizations”, including the Falun Gong. 62. In addition, according to reports, a media campaign was launched against the Falun Gong and Falun Gong practitioners in June 1999. It is believed that this campaign followed a protest gathering in Beijing on 25 April 1999, involving more than 10,000 Falun Gong practitioners. 63. Further reports indicate that in February 2001, the Central Committee of the Communist Party called for a Central Work Conference of high-level party officials. The purpose of this meeting was reportedly to adopt a plan calling for the formation of local “anti-cult task forces” in all universities, State enterprises and social organizations, to reinforce the “610 Office” and strengthen local control over the Falun Gong. 64. An analysis of reports received by the Special Rapporteurs indicates that the alleged human rights violations against Falun Gong practitioners, including systematic arrest and detention, are part of a pattern of repression against members of this group. Most of those arrested are reportedly heavily fined and released, but many are detained and ill-treated in order to force them to formally renounce Falun Gong. Those who refuse are sent to re-education through labour camps, where reportedly torture is used routinely, resulting in many deaths. 65. The Special Rapporteurs were further concerned at reports that few Falun Gong practitioners are prosecuted. When charges are laid they reportedly include allegations such as “disturbing social order”, “assembling to disrupt public order”, “stealing or leaking State secrets” or “using a heretical organization to undermine the