(Clearwisdom.net) A series of petition rallies to raise awareness about human rights abuses in China took place in eastern Slovakia at the end of October 2008. Practitioners of Falun Gong visited the cities of Presov, Kosice, Spisska Nova Ves, and Michalovce to inform the residents about the persecution of Falun Gong in China.

The series of rallies began on Wednesday, October 22 in Presov. Passersby stopped at the stands that had posters depicting scenes of persecution. Many couldn't believe something like this could be happening today. Young people coming home from school also stopped to study the photos. Often there were two rows of people lined up at the petition table to sign one of the two petitions.

Children also asked about the persecution and showed interest in the exercises. More then 300 people signed the petition in one day. The rallies continued in Kosice, where several practitioners demonstrated the exercises. In spite of rather cold weather many people stopped at the petition table, asked about exercises and signed the petition. "How could I help you more?" asked one young lady who signed the petition. She was told by the practitioners that the best approach is to peacefully informing the public about the persecution, which creates pressure on the Chinese regime to stop it. If she could help us with this,she would be very appreciated. She promised to help. On Friday in Spisska Nova Ves, mostly older people who remembered a lot from the time of communism in Slovakia, stopped at the petition table. One lady that came to sign said, "I drove by in my car and saw that something happening here, so I came to see. I am glad I stopped by. At least I can sign your the petition. My husband fought his whole life against communism, so I happen to know something about it." A few people showed interest in learning the exercises.

The practitioners were pleasantly surprised by Saturday morning in Michalovce. Although at the beginning the pedestrian zone looked empty, gradually more and more people appeared. "We saw the news about your rally on local television," said passersby. A man who showed interest in the exercises left with both of the principle books of Falun Gong, which he wanted to study. After a short explanation about the purpose of the rally, most of the passerby signed the petition. More than 1100 people signed the petition in those four days.

Source:http://clearharmony.net/articles/200811/46691.html