(Minghui.org) Falun Dafa practitioners held a rally in front of the Chinese Embassy on April 24, 2024 to mark the 25^th anniversary of the April 25 appeal. They condemned the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) persecution and held a candlelight vigil to commemorate those practitioners of Falun Dafa (also known as Falun Gong) who have died as a result of the brutality.

Candlelight in front of the Chinese Embassy on April 24, 2024.

Mary, a spokesperson for the Falun Dafa Association in Canberra, said, “We are gathered here tonight to commemorate the peaceful petition by over 10,000 Falun Gong practitioners at the Petition Office of the State Council that happened 25 years ago. This incident stunned China and the world at the time. The Chinese Communist Party used the state media to spread lies throughout China and overseas, and accused Falun Gong practitioners of besieging the central government. To this day, the truth of this major historic event is still covered up by the CCP.

“In the following 25 years, the CCP mobilized all state machinery, consumed astronomical amounts of financial resources, and carried out a protracted and brutal persecution of Falun Gong practitioners.”

She continued, “Twenty-five years have passed. Although Falun Gong practitioners experienced terror and bloody persecution, and endured unprecedented evil persecution, they still stand firm, adhering to their belief in Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance, and fulfilling the great historic mission of mercifully saving all sentient beings. Falun Gong practitioners around the world have upheld the April 25 spirit and persevered in clarifying the truth for more than 20 years. The international community is getting more and more aware of the truth.”

Canberra Residents: The CCP’s Persecution Should Be Stopped

On April 25, at the pedestrian mall in downtown Canberra, Falun Gong practitioners told citizens and tourists about the appeal 25 years ago and collected signatures on a petition to end the persecution. The petition read: End the persecution of Falun Gong in China. These signatures will be submitted to the Australian government.

Kylie Clewett, a teacher, signed the petition and told a practitioner, “Everyone has the right to choose the way they want to live, and everyone can believe what they want to believe. I think any government anywhere in the world should allow that.”

She also said that Falun Gong is a cultivation group that is helpful for physical and mental health and peace. The government should let them practice. The CCP’s persecution has lasted for 25 years and should be stopped immediately. There is no reason for this. The persecution is so bad and no government is allowed to abuse its own people.

Robert Russell, a government employee, told a practitioner that he recently signed a petition. He said, “I feel very sorry for the Chinese Communist government’s inability to treat people with different beliefs correctly. I am sad. Falun Gong is being persecuted in China. Falun Gong practitioners are telling their stories. I want to support Falun Gong and sign for Falun Gong. I cannot let them feel isolated and helpless. They are practicing in their own way and there is nothing harmful. I really can’t understand why (the CCP) persecutes them.”

He pointed out that superficially whoever has the largest population, the most power, and the most money rules the world. But when the CCP dictator dies, he cannot take his wealth with him, but his life’s actions and crimes are remembered, condemned, and despised.