Chinese Ambassador Qiao Zonghuai gave a news briefing Tuesday on China's banning of the cult Falun Gong.

"Falun Gong is a typical cult that harms the society," Qiao said in an opening statement. "The anti-humanity, anti-society and anti-science words and deeds of the cult's founder Li Hongzhi have already caused serious damages to society."

Over the past few years in some parts of China, more than 1,400 people have died as a result of practicing Falun Gong and many others have suffered psychological distress, he said.

At the strong appeal of the people, the Chinese government, strictly in accordance with the law, decided to outlaw the " Research Society of Falun Dafa" and the evil cult under the illegal organization's control.

"The banning of Falun Gong by the Chinese government not only complies with the international human rights instruments but also follows the common practice of all other governments in the world regarding cults," Qiao told reporters.

Participants at the briefing also watched a video show exposing the true face of the Falun Gong cult.

The following are major questions and answers at the briefing:

Q: Up until now, how many Falun Gong practitioners have been prosecuted? Whether Falun Gong disciples are arbitrarily tried and given harsh punishment for their acts?

A: The policy of the Chinese government is that only those who organize and use this evil cult to engage in illegal business activities or any other illegal activities or disturb social order repeatedly will be prosecuted. These people only account for a very small proportion of the practitioners.

Up to now, 44 people in relation to 20 cases have been prosecuted by the procuratorates to the courts. The trials of some key members of the Falun Gong cult by the Chinese courts have been conducted in strict accordance with legal procedures, the defendants invited lawyers for their defense and their legitimate rights have been guaranteed in due regards. After careful trials and based on ample facts and evidence, the courts found that the accused had organized and used the cult to obstruct justice, illegally obtained state secrets, illegally possessed state confidential documents and secrets, intentionally leaked secret state information and carried out illegal business activities. In accordance with Article 300 of the Criminal Law of the People's Republic of China and other relevant regulations, the courts issued decisions on the accused.

Q: Does the decision to ban Falun Gong have any effect on other Qigong organization?

A: The Chinese government has repeatedly reiterated that China is a country ruled by law. All social groups and organizations should abide by the constitution and law in carrying out their activities. The Chinese government has never opposed or prohibited normal practicing activities aimed at building health. Therefore, it is permissible and will not be prohibited if the normal practice activities are in line with the law. The purpose of banning Falun Gong is just to ensure the normal health activities by the people and prevent such swindlers as Li Hongzhi from poisoning the people in the name of practicing Qigong. Q: Do you think the issue of Falun Gong will be raised at this year's session of the Commission on Human Rights? Will it be used as an excuse to table a draft resolution in China? A: Outlawing and fighting against Falun Gong by the Chinese government have won the support of the majority of countries and their governments. We appreciate this. Meanwhile, we advise those few people who persist on using Falun Gong to interfere in the internal affairs of China to change over to new ways. If some people will use Falun Gong as an excuse to table a draft resolution on China in the Commission on Human Rights, to support the evil cult, they will only end up with ruined reputation and indecent result.