(Minghui.org) Falun Gong practitioners marked 20 years of persecution by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), which was ordered by former CCP head Jiang Zemin on July 20, 1999. Falun Gong is a peaceful mind-body cultivation practice based on the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance.
Every year, practitioners the world over organize peaceful rallies, candlelight vigils, and parades to solemnly commemorate fellow practitioners who have been killed as a result of this persecution.
The Minghui website has confirmed the deaths of over four thousand Falun Gong practitioners due to the persecution over the past 20 years. However, the actual number is suspected to be much higher. More have been imprisoned and tortured for their faith. There is concrete evidence that the CCP is an active participant in the harvesting of organs from detained practitioners, who are killed to supply the organ transplant industry.
Auckland and Christchurch, New Zealand: Candlelight Vigils in front of the Chinese Embassy and Consulate
Falun Gong practitioners held candlelight vigils in front of the Chinese Embassy in Auckland and the Chinese Consulate in Christchurch on the evening of July 19, 2019, to commemorate fellow practitioners who died as a result of the CCP's persecution.
Candlelight vigil in front of Chinese Consulate in Christchurch, New Zealand on July 19, 2019.
Practitioners' peacefully protest of the persecution in front of the Chinese Consulate in Christchurch on July 19, 2019.
Practitioners talk to people about Falun Gong and the CCP's persecution.
During the rally Riki talked about the CCP's persecution, especially the live organ harvesting from Falun Gong practitioners for the past 20 years.
Celine, who recently began practicing, attended the events on July 19, 2019.
Celine, originally from France, began practicing Falun Gong just a month ago. She attended the event on July 19 and said, “Any form of persecution is unacceptable. I can't imagine that someone would intentionally hurt others, especially a group like Falun Gong practitioners. There is no excuse!”
Peaceful Protest in Front of the Chinese Embassy in Argentina
Falun Gong practitioners from Argentina gathered in front of the Chinese Embassy on July 18, 2019, to call for an end to the persecution. Some demonstrated the exercises or held banners, while others distributed flyers and talked about the persecution to passersby.
Falun Gong practitioners peacefully protest in front of the Chinese Embassy in Argentina on July 18, 2019.
Young practitioners held posters with information about Falun Gong and the persecution.
Practitioners hand out information about Falun Gong to drivers.
Rally and Candlelight Vigil in Sydney, Australia
Falun Gong practitioners held a rally and a candlelight vigil in front of the Customs House in Sydney on July 19, 2019. They began the day's events with exercises at 8:00 a.m. Twelve elected officials attended the rally at noon.
Practitioners doing the exercises in front of the Customs House in Sydney on July 19, 2019.
In the evening practitioners held a candlelight vigil in front of the Customs House on July 19, 2019.
Reporters from Australia SBS TV interview a practitioner.
Several mainstream media outlets covered the event. Australia SBS TV covered the event throughout the day and broadcasted the report on the evening news. Network 10 (10daily) interviewed several people via telephone, including Wendy Rogers, Professor of Clinical Ethics at Macquarie University in Sydney, and Tony Liu, a Falun Gong practitioner.
Passersby signed a petition calling on the Australian government to help stop the persecution.
Nearly 500 people signed a petition calling on the Australian government to urge the CCP to stop the persecution and live organ harvesting.
TV News Editor: Bring Former CCP Head to Justice
Thomas Jenkins, Australia TV10 news editor, said he was shocked to learn of the forced organ harvesting from practitioners. He gave practitioners a thumbs up.
Thomas Jenkins, a news editor for Australia TV10, and several of his friends signed the petition. Mr. Jenkins said, “I watched the documentary Human Harvest on youtube and learned how the CCP carries out the persecution and organ harvesting. This is so cruel, and I feel very shocked and terrible.
“When I watched the documentary, they showed someone calling a Chinese hospital to find an organ. He asked about the price of the organ and asked if it was from a Falun Gong practitioner. The hospital replied, 'We have this.'”
Mr. Jenkins said he was pleased with The China Tribunal's verdict in London, UK, this June. He thought that former CCP head Jiang should be brought to justice.
Former Flight Attendant Witnessed the Persecution 20 Years Ago
Emma Cohen, a former flight attendant
Emma Cohen, a former flight attendant, came to the Falun Gong stand and said, “I used to be a Qantas flight attendant. I often flew to Beijing and other places. I saw the persecution of Falun Gong in China 20 years ago.
“I'm a Westerner. I don’t like the CCP. I also know that the CCP has been conducting live organ harvesting from Falun Gong practitioners for a long time and that the live organ harvesting is horrible.”
Max Warren said he was disgusted by the persecution and said he would write to the government to help stop it.
Celeste Robertson says she completely stands with Falun Gong practitioners.
Brigitte Rakowl said she's against anyone who persecutes spiritual belief.
Chatellier and his family, tourists from France, said they support Falun Gong practitioners' effort to end the persecution.
Relevant articles in Chinese: Argentina, Sydney, Australia.
Category: July 20 Events
