A chilling escalation in threats against a Sydney church has shocked authorities after organizers received a second message promising mass violence at a screening of an award-winning documentary exposing China’s systematic organ harvesting program.
The latest threat, delivered through Eventbrite’s messaging system on November 27, targeted the upcoming screening of “State Organs” at St. John the Evangelist Church in Campbelltown. Unlike the initial bomb threat received days earlier, this message painted a horrifying scenario of coordinated violence.
“Since you insist on carrying out anti-Communist and inhumane activities, don’t blame us for taking action at a future screening,” the anonymous sender wrote. “We will infiltrate as viewers, begin the screening, and suddenly open fire, killing everyone and throwing bombs into the crowd. This is not a joke.”
The documentary at the center of this controversy examines allegations that the Chinese Communist Party systematically harvests organs from practitioners of Falun Gong, a spiritual movement emphasizing truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance that has faced persecution in China since 1999.
Police Investigation Intensifies
New South Wales Police conducted a thorough search of the church grounds on November 24, finding no immediate public safety threats. However, the investigation has since expanded following the second, more explicit threat.
“The NSW Police Force takes hate crimes seriously,” a police spokesperson confirmed to media outlets. “It is important that the community and police continue to work together to make NSW a safer place for everyone.”
The legal consequences for such threats are severe. Authorities note that using communication services to make hoax threats can result in two years imprisonment at the local court level, escalating to ten years if prosecuted at district or federal court levels.
International Pattern of Intimidation
Security experts suggest these threats align with broader patterns of transnational repression that target critics of Beijing’s policies on foreign soil. Similar incidents have emerged across multiple democracies, representing what G7 nations have characterized as increasingly aggressive foreign interference.
Taiwan experienced a parallel campaign earlier this year when government offices and venues in multiple cities received at least 17 threatening emails aimed at canceling performances by Shen Yun, a New York-based arts organization founded by Falun Gong practitioners to preserve traditional Chinese culture predating communist rule.
Taiwan’s Criminal Investigation Bureau traced those threats to Xi’an, China, specifically to an area near the Huawei Xi’an Institute, a major research facility supporting Beijing’s global technology initiatives.
Community Leaders Refuse to Be Silenced
Despite the escalating threats, organizers remain determined to proceed with educational efforts about human rights violations. Lucy Zhao, president of the Australian Falun Dafa Association, emphasized the broader implications of such intimidation campaigns.
“This is much more than just a Falun Gong case or Chinese human rights issue now. Such transnational repression is challenging and undermining Australian values, freedom, and fundamental rights,” Zhao explained. “If our government allows the CCP to continue bullying and intimidating Falun Gong practitioners today, the CCP may find its way to silence and intimidate any person or group they don’t like in the near future.”
Julia Yi, a Campbelltown resident who helped coordinate the screening, expressed concern for the local community while maintaining resolve. Speaking about the church hosting the event, she noted, “The church is meant to be a sacred place, a place of spiritual refuge. It is absolutely intolerable for evil to target such a place.”
Standing Firm Against Intimidation
Yi apologized to parish members for any anxiety caused by the threats but encouraged community members not to be deterred from attending the screening. “Goodness prevails over evil!” she declared. “I hope to see you join us in witnessing the power of faith and courage!”
The screening controversy highlights growing concerns about foreign influence operations targeting Australian civil society. Democratic nations worldwide are grappling with similar challenges as authoritarian regimes expand efforts to suppress criticism and control narratives beyond their borders.
Eventbrite has cooperated fully with law enforcement, providing all available information about the threat sources to NSW Police and relevant authorities.
The November 29 screening represents more than a single documentary showing – it has become a test case for Australia’s commitment to protecting free expression and civil society from foreign intimidation campaigns.
Authorities encourage anyone with information about these threats to contact local police or Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000.
