(Minghui.org) To mark the 25th anniversary of Falun Gong practitioners’ efforts to end the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) persecution, practitioners in Western Australia held rallies in front of the Chinese Consulate in Perth on July 19 and 20, 2024. They protested the CCP’s persecution and called for an end to the brutality. 

Practitioners also held a candlelight vigil in front of the Chinese Consulate on the evening of July 19 to commemorate fellow practitioners who died as a result of the CCP’s persecution over the past 25 years. 

Falun Gong practitioners demonstrate the sitting meditation in Perth on July 20, 2024. 

Passersby learn about Falun Gong and the CCP’s persecution. 

Many locals expressed their concern about the human rights situation in China and signed the petition calling for an end to the CCP’s persecution. A Chinese student who had joined the Young Pioneers (an affiliate of the CCP) quit that organization at the time. Susan, a Chinese student from Yunnan, walked up to the practitioners and said, “Can I help you spread the word?” She accepted a leaflet from a practitioner. She said she knew about the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners and hoped to spread the message on social media.

People sign the petition calling to end the persecution.

Passersby Support Practitioners

Chris Anderson (left) and Tayla Whitby (right) expressed their support for practitioners protesting the persecution. 

Perth residents Chris Anderson and Tayla Whitby said they appreciated the energy emanating from the Falun Gong rally. They expressed their support for the practitioners’ fight against the persecution. Chris remarked, “The vibe of meditation, freedom and compassion is the way to go. It is definitely a good feeling. So we support it.

“I think the world should follow [Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance], get on board and support [Falun Dafa], continue fighting, and spread awareness around the world.”

Tayla joined in to say, “Yes, I agree. The world is controlled and everyone is divided. We need Truthfulness, Compassion and Forbearance.”

Amy (left) and Kate (right) were happy to receive information about Falun Gong cultivation practice. 

Amy and Kate both expressed their appreciation for Falun Dafa’s principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance, and said that the principles are the ways they would hope to be treated. “Totally amazing energy and I have always thought that it is, because I have actually seen you here so many times,” said Amy. 

Franko Smargiassi said the persecution should not have happened.

Franko Smargiassi appreciated hearing about Falun Dafa’s principles. He said, “The whole world should do this,” adding, “the persecution should not have happened.” He said that it was great for the practitioners to hold activities in Perth, because “They are doing good things for the world.”

People’s Positive Support Is Encouraging

Irene Comino, a local practitioner who has practiced Falun Dafa for nearly 20 years, said she is very willing to help people understand Falun Dafa and learn about the CCP’s brutal ongoing persecution of the practice in China.

“My experience during recent times is that most of the people I talk to at our activities are very supportive. They are very aware of what is going on, and they hope for freedom for the Chinese practitioners and for all Chinese people. 

“They understand more than ever the threat of the Chinese Communist Party to the whole world. It is very encouraging to see so many people wanting justice, which also compels me to go forward, with ever more faith, vigor, and determination.”