Upon learning of the brutal persecution of Falun Dafa practitioners by Jiang Zemin's regime, the mayor of Biedermannsdorf was shocked and expressed support for the Falun Dafa Photo Exhibition. He also volunteered to arrange the exhibition location. The local government also sent invitations to every citizen of the city. The mayor also presided at the opening ceremony of the photo exhibition. In his opening speech, he said that he was sorry for the brutal crackdown of Falun Gong. He also appealed that the Western countries should take affirmative action to stop the Chinese government's cruelty. He is fully supportive of the exercise that promotes truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance.