(Minghui.org) “Falun Gong practitioners have been clarifying the facts about the persecution for the past 16 years. This helps people see through the slander and lies propagated in communist propaganda. The peaceful protest on April 25, 1999, was a beginning, a beginning that Chinese people have the courage to speak about to convey the facts, despite the regime's mind control,” said New York practitioner Ms. Pan.
As the night fell, practitioners began candlelight vigils to continue their commemoration of the 16th anniversary of the peaceful demonstration during the day. In front of the Chinese consulate in New York and the Town Hall in Sydney, candlelight quietly conveyed the sorrow for Falun Gong practitioners killed in the 16-year-long persecution in China, and served as a reminder that justice has not yet been served.
Falun Gong practitioners hold candlelight vigil in front of the Chinese consulate in New York City on April 25, 2015.
Many citizens in Sydney stopped by the vigil on April 24 to learn more about the event. They expressed their concerns and sadness for practitioners who are still being persecuted in China, and still risk being killed for their organs.
Passersby signed a petition to be forwarded to United Nations human rights organizations, calling for an end to organ harvesting.
Falun Gong practitioners hold a candlelight vigil in front of the Chinese consulate in Sydney, Australia, mourning those killed during the 16-year-long persecution.
Passerby sign the petition to be forwarded to United Nations human rights organizations, calling for an end to the organ harvesting in China.
“Thank you very much for this event. This [exposing the organ harvesting] is so important that there should be visible protests,” said Megan Keene. Originally from New Zealand, Ms. Keene now works in Sydney. She appreciated coming across Falun Gong practitioners and learning the information first-hand, versus researching on her own via media reports.
Megan Keene appreciated learning about organ harvesting from practitioners.
Ms. Keene praised the event for inspiring conscience and said that she would pray for practitioners and for an end to the persecution.
Practitioners in Sydney continued to raise public awareness of organ harvesting in front of the Chinese consulate, and in Chinatown the next day.
Cheree Toka and Aiden Butfild helped practitioners distribute informational materials in Sydney's Chinatown on April 25, 2015.
Category: April 25 Events
