(Minghui.org) May 13, 2024, was the 25th World Falun Dafa Day and the 32nd anniversary of Falun Dafa’s public introduction. Falun Dafa practitioners across the world held activities to celebrate the occasion. Many officials sent letters to practitioners to pay tribute to Mr. Li Hongzhi, the founder of Falun Dafa, and honor World Falun Dafa Day. They also praised practitioners for their firm belief in the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance, and condemned the Chinese Communist Party’s persecution.
Officials in Germany Mark Falun Dafa Day
Before World Falun Dafa Day on May 13, 2024, six officials in Germany sent letters to Falun Dafa practitioners to pay tribute to Mr. Li and honor World Falun Dafa Day.
Top row left to right: Kerstin Celina, Member of the Bavarian State Parliament for the Greens; Michael Gahler, Member of the European Parliament from CDU; and Konrad Baur, Member of the Bavarian State Parliament from CSUBottom row left to right: Heiko Kasseckert, Member of the Hesse State Parliament from CDU; Martina Feldmayer, Member of the Hesse State Parliament for the Greens; and Miriam Dahlke, Member of the Hesse State Parliament for the Greens
Heiko Kasseckert, Member of the Hesse State Parliament from CDU, wrote, “May 13 is World Falun Dafa Day. This day not only marks the spread and importance of Falun Dafa around the world, but this day also reminds us of the power and determination of those who firmly believe in the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance.
“The 25th World Falun Dafa Day is an important milestone. The date not only highlights the practice’s benefits to millions around the world but also highlights the challenges and violence Falun Dafa practitioners face in China. I admire your courage and determination in exposing the truth and seeking justice.
“I would also like to pay tribute to Mr. Li Hongzhi, the founder of Falun Gong. His teachings and principles have brought hope and inspiration to millions. His spirit will live on forever in the hearts of those who have benefited from Falun Dafa.
“May World Falun Dafa Day be a day of unity, reflection, and hope, and may this spirit be spread throughout the world.”
Martina Feldmayer and Miriam Dahlke, Members of the Hesse State Parliament for the Greens, wrote, “The principles you follow—Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance—are respectable, positive values. The persecution of you Falun Gong practitioners by China [the Chinese Communist Party] is unacceptable. All incidents that violate the human rights of Falun Gong practitioners, ban their practice, and persecute Falun Gong practitioners in China should be condemned.”
Officials in Ireland Praise Practitioners
Members of the Teachta Dála (TD) and local councils and members of Ireland’s political parties also sent letters of support. In their letters, the TDs commended Falun Dafa’s principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance and its positive impact on society. They praised practitioners’ persistence in their faith despite being persecuted by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
Top row: Minister of State Joe O’Brien and Lord Mayor of Dublin Daithí de RóisteSecond row left to right: Mattie McGrath TD, County Councilors Jim O’Leary and Bill Clear, Michael Lowry TDBottom row left to right: County Councilor Trevor Gilligan, Gino Kenny TD, Mary Kavanagh TD, and Seán Canney TD
Joe O’Brien, Minister of State, wrote, “Falun Dafa draws from a rich historical and cultural tradition and its teachings of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance remain key values. Falun Dafa places personal wellbeing and wellbeing practices, such as meditation, as one of its core tenets which we could all do with more of in the modern world.”
In his letter of support, Michael Lowry TD wrote, “Falun Dafa’s teachings, rooted in ancient Chinese cultivation schools, have positively impacted the lives of many people across the globe. The practice’s emphasis on mental, moral, and physical wellbeing contributes to a healthier, more stable, and harmonious society.
“I am aware of the challenges faced by the Falun Gong practitioners in China. The resilience and commitment of the Falun Dafa community to their principles are truly inspiring.”
Dignitaries in Sweden Honor the Occasion
Eight dignitaries in Sweden sent a joint message of congratulations to Falun Dafa practitioners. They are: Members of Parliament Ann-Sofie Alm, Boriana Åberg, Lotta Johnson Fornarve, Mathias Tegnér, and Nima Gholam Ali Pour, and former MPs Hans Rothenberg, Maria Lundqvist-Brömster, and Niclas Malmberg.
The letter reads, “On May 13, 2024, International Falun Dafa Day, the practice celebrates its 32nd anniversary since its public introduction. This comes at a time when individual well-being and personal responsibility have been more important than ever since the pandemic.”
Eight dignitaries in Sweden sent a congratulatory letter to Falun Gong practitioners.
UK Officials Commend Practitioners
The Office of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak wrote, “The Government remains deeply concerned about the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners and others on the grounds of their religion or belief in China, and there is credible evidence to suggest that Falun Gong practitioners are subjected to serious mistreatment.”
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak
Benedict Rogers, co-founder and deputy chairman of the Conservative Party’s human rights commission, wrote, “Over the years I have come to know many practitioners and without exception have found them to be hospitable, generous, kind, intelligent, peaceful and decent human beings. They live out their values of ‘Truthfulness,’ ‘Compassion’ and ‘Tolerance’ or ‘Forbearance’ beautifully and with great dignity.
“As we celebrate World Falun Dafa Day, let all of us celebrate those values of truthfulness, compassion and tolerance. They are not exclusively Falun Gong values. They are universal values, human values, that people of all religions and beliefs can and should adopt and live by.”
Benedict Rogers, co-founder and deputy chairman of the Conservative Party’s human rights commission
Several other officials condemned the CCP’s persecution. They indicated that the government of the UK would raise the human rights concern to the Chinese regime and at the OSCE, Council of Europe, and UN Human Rights Council.
Brendan O’Hara MP, SNP Foreign Affairs Spokesperson
Ellie Reeves MP
Rt Hon Mark Pritchard MP
Ian Levy MP
Feryal Clark MP
Baroness Whitaker
In addition, Ondrej Dostál, Member of the National Assembly of the Slovak Republic, and Peter Osusky, a former senior member of the National Assembly of the Slovak Republic, went to the Falun Gong practitioners’ celebration to speak in support.
Peter Osusky, former long-time Member of the National Assembly of the Slovak Republic, addressed the rally
Ondrej Dostál, Member of the National Assembly of the Slovak Republic, addressed the rally
Petra Wimmer, Member of the National Council of Austria
Ms. Petra Wimmer issued a statement demanding that Falun Gong practitioners in China be able to enjoy the basic rights of life and personal freedom. She said, “They are persecuted, tortured and killed because of their beliefs and values.” She said she hopes “the international community puts pressure on the Chinese government” to stop the persecution.
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