Original sentence: Falun Gong has been the focus of international attention since July 20, 1999, when the government of the People's Republic of China (PRC) began a nationwide crackdown, except in the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau.In a New Times article (March 23-29, 2000) cult critic Margaret Singer stated:  “Some will say it’s not but Falun Gong looks like a cult to me.On July 22, 1999, the People's Republic of China issued a statement banning Falun Gong in mainland China, quoting "illegal activities, advocating superstition and spreading fallacies, hoodwinking people, inciting and creating disturbances, and jeopardizing social stability.Particular concerns have been raised over reports of torture and imprisonment of Falun Gong practitioners in China.Several governments, international human rights organizations and scholars consider the crackdown a persecution and human rights violation.Since the ban started, various human rights groups and western governments have criticised the Chinese government for its alleged human rights abuses, including allegations of torture
Edited sentence: Falun Gong has been the focus of international attention since July 20, 1999, when the government of the People's Republic of China (PRC) began a nationwide persecution, except in the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau.In a New Times article (March 23-29, 2000) the "cult expert" Margaret Singer stated:  “Some will say it’s not but Falun Gong looks like a cult to me.On July 22, 1999, the People's Republic of China issued a statement banning Falun Gong in mainland China, fearing "a serious ideological and political struggle that would have a bearing on the future of the Communist Party and the State".Particular concerns have been raised over reports of torture and illegal imprisonment of Falun Gong practitioners in China.Several governments, international human rights organizations and scholars consider the persecution a human rights violation.Since the ban started, various human rights groups and western governments have condemned the Chinese government for its alleged human rights abuses, including allegations of torture