(Minghui.org) Falun Gong practitioners demonstrated group exercises at Newmarket, Auckland on July 20, 2018 to raise awareness of the persecution in China. The persecution began on July 20, 1999, and is responsible for thousands of confirmed deaths and millions of families being torn apart.

Falun Gong practitioners demonstrated group exercises at Newmarket, Auckland on July 20.

People signed the petition calling for an end to the persecution.

James Jackson is a salesperson with a large corporation. He said he had seen Falun Gong practitioners protesting in front of the Chinese consulate. He was supportive of the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance and said that he thought these principles were the truth of the universe.

Joan, a dental hygienist, was shocked to learn the facts about the persecution, “This is horrible and heartbreaking. It's beyond imagination. How can a human being treat others like this?”

Kathy works at a local middle school. She learned that the persecution had lasted for 19 years and was still ongoing. She said, “Only when more people know the facts can this persecution be stopped.” She encouraged Falun Gong practitioners to keep up their efforts to inform more people about the facts.

Sean Liggins signed the petition calling for an end to the persecution.

Sean Liggins is a local health promoter and has worked in the healthcare industry for many years. He commented that the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) persecution of meditators was crazy. People simply sit in meditation; this wouldn't cause harm to anyone. Yet what the CCP targets in its persecution is the most peaceful group on Earth. “I can’t imagine this. I hope the persecution can be over immediately. People should have their basic human rights, to do what they want during their own time, for example, meditation.”

Mr. Liggins also said that the New Zealand government shouldn't be affected by the CCP, especially in politics and legal regulations. It's imperative for New Zealand to stay independent. As a nation, the society protocols, religious beliefs, and culture are very important.

A candlelight vigil in front of the Chinese consulate commemorated those killed in the persecution in China.

Falun Gong practitioners also held a candlelight vigil in front of the Chinese consulate to commemorate the practitioners killed in the persecution in China.