(Minghui.org) As of late July 2024, over 130 lawmakers from 15 countries have called on the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to end its 25-year-long persecution of Falun Gong.
As of July 20, 2024, the CCP’s suppression and illegal persecution of Falun Gong has gone on for 25 years. The nonprofit organization “Friends of Falun Gong” issued a joint statement openly censuring the CCP’s persecution of the spiritual practice and calling for an end to the atrocities. To date, over 130 lawmakers from 15 countries have signed the transnational joint statement. Alan Adler, executive director of Friends of Falun Gong, said this initiative is just the beginning and it will continue.
Practitioners held a grand march in Manhattan’s Chinatown in New York on July 10, 2024 to mark 25 years of persecution.
Joint Statement Condemns CCP for Crimes Against Humanity
In the joint statement, the parliamentarians, “strongly condemn the 25 years of human rights abuses against Falun Gong practitioners in China.” They urged the Chinese regime to “immediately stop” the persecution and “unconditionally release all detained Falun Gong practitioners and other prisoners of conscience.
“We understand that Falun Gong (a.k.a. Falun Dafa) is a spiritual meditation practice based on the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance. The 20th of July 2024 marks 25 years since the Chinese Communist Party launched a systematic and brutal campaign to “eradicate” Falun Gong.
“Since July 1999, millions of Falun Gong practitioners in China have been arbitrarily arrested and jailed without due process and many have been tortured and even killed. At the very least, thousands have died as a result of such torture and other abuses in police custody.”
These atrocities have been well-documented by human rights organizations, governmental bodies, and the United Nations. The 2007 U.S. State Department Human Rights Report stated, “[the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture] Manfred Nowak reported that Falun Gong practitioners accounted for 66 percent of victims of alleged torture while in government custody.”
In 2016, the U.S. Congress unanimously passed resolution H.Res. 343, expressing concern regarding persistent and credible reports of systematic, state-sanctioned organ harvesting from large numbers of Falun Gong practitioners.
In 2019, an Independent Tribunal in the United Kingdom, chaired by Sir Geoffrey Nice KC, concluded that, “forced organ harvesting has been committed for years throughout China on a significant scale and that Falun Gong practitioners have been one—and probably the main—source of organ supply.” The Tribunal also determined that crimes against humanity have been committed against Falun Gong practitioners in China.
In January 2024, the European Parliament passed resolution 2024/2504 (RSP), which “Strongly urges the PRC to immediately end the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners and other minorities…; Calls for the PRC to end domestic and transnational surveillance and control and the suppression of religious freedom.”
We therefore urge the Chinese government to respect international norms and legalobligations, including the United Nations Convention Against Torture, which China has ratified, and to immediately stop the 25-year-long persecution of Falun Gong in China, and to unconditionally release all detained Falun Gong practitioners and other prisoners of conscience.
On June 26, 2024, the United States Department of State published the 2023 International Religious Freedom Report in which Falun Gong was mentioned 58 times. Citing information from Minghui, the report said 188 practitioners lost their lives in 2023 due to the suppression. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said more efforts are needed to stop the brutalities in China. He also said: “We work relentlessly to secure the release of people in prison for exercising their right to religious freedom around the globe.”
On June 25, 2024, the U.S House of Representatives passed the “Falun Gong Protection Act.” The U.S House of Representatives previously passed resolutions to end the persecution of Falun Gong five times.
Global Condemnation for the CCP’s Crimes Against Humanity
Alan Adler, the nonprofit’s executive director, said in a statement that the group is “sponsoring this campaign to help amplify the voices of those who wish to see the end of this unjust persecution.
“With these signatures, we show that while the Chinese Communist Party might try to commit its crimes in the dark, the truth has already come to light,” Mr. Adler said. “Prominent members of the international community are joining in to condemn these crimes against humanity, and together we will restore freedom and justice to a group of wrongfully harmed spiritual believers.”
The Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China issued a statement condemning the CCP’s persecution of Falun Gong.
The Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China also issued a statement condemning the CCP’s persecution of Falun Gong on X on July 20, 2024. The statement read: “Today marks the 25th anniversary of the Chinese government’s persecution of Falun Gong practitioners – a quarter of a century of protracted and profound suffering.
“Hundreds of thousands of Falun Gong practitioners have been imprisoned, with an unknown number subjected to the most severe forms of torture, including widespread credible reports of state-sponsored forced organ harvesting.
“We join with the many groups and individuals in deploring the denial of basic Article 18 rights to Falun Gong practitioners, who, along with Islamic minority groups, Christians, and Tibetan Buddhists, among others, do not enjoy freedom of thought, conscience or religion in contemporary China.
“No minority, irrespective of their beliefs, deserves to be stripped of fundamental rights. We call upon our governments to insist that Beijing immediately cease their persecution of religions minorities, and uphold the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, to which China is a signatory.”
Matthew Miller, spokesperson for the U.S Department of State, posted a statement on X supporting Falun Gong.
On the same day, Matthew Miller spokesperson for the U.S Department of State posted on X: “Today, we mark 25 years of People’s Republic of China repression against practitioners of the spiritual movement Falun Gong. We call upon the PRC to respect the freedom of religion or belief and release all those imprisoned for their beliefs.”
At the same time, in July, more than 20 U.S. legislators expressed their support for Falun Gong practitioners’ peaceful protests against the CCP’s brutal suppression through video recordings or letters. They said the U.S is responsible for holding the CCP accountable for these crimes.
Raja Krishnamoorthi (left) Ranking Member and Haley Stevens Democratic Party Representative of the House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party
On July 20, Ranking Member Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) and Rep. Haley Stevens (D-MI) of the House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party issued the following statement on the 25th anniversary of the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) persecution of Falun Gong.
“This weekend marks a quarter of a century since the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) began its persecution of those who practice Falun Gong. While facing imprisonment, torture, and murder simply for practicing their faith, Falun Gong practitioners have met this oppression by the CCP through peaceful resistance,” said Ranking Member Krishnamoorthi and Rep. Stevens. “As Americans, our commitment to religious freedom and human rights in the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and across the world is unwavering. We must continue to unequivocally denounce the CCP’s treatment of Falun Gong practitioners while standing with their community and all others facing religious persecution in the PRC.”
U.S. Senator Todd Young sent a video to express his support. He said in his video: “I firmly believe that our nation has a moral obligation to uphold and defend basic human rights, both domestically and internationally. These include holding the CCP accountable for their abuses and atrocities, ensuring these actions don’t continue unchecked, and encouraging nations worldwide to pursue liberty and justice.”
French Hill, member of House of Representatives from Arkansas, said in his video: “It’s time for American and like-minded freedom-loving people and nations to address this terrible issue through legislation and put a stop to not only this inhuman practice, but take a stand against the growing aggression of the Chinese Communist Party.”
Letter of support from Senator Ted Cruz
Senator Ted Cruz wrote in his letter of support: “We have a responsibility to stand up for those suffering in China and to make our voices heard. It’s America’s duty, as the leader of the free world, to defend and promote the free practice of religion without obstruction. We must call out the CCP’s persecution and hold them accountable. I firmly condemn China’s treatment of Falun Gong practitioners and I am proud to stand with you.”
On July 20, 8 Danish parliamentarians, alternate parliamentarians and former parliamentarians signed the, “Joint Statement Calling for an End to the 25-Year Persecution of Falun Gong in China” initiated by FOFG.
First row from left: Jan E. Jørgensen, MP of the Danish Liberal Party (the former ruling party); Søren Espersen, MP of the Danish Democratic Party, former Vice Chairman of the Parliament and Chairman of the Parliamentary Religious Committee; Kenneth Fredslund Petersen, MP of the Danish Democratic Party; Hans Kristian Skibby, MP of the Danish Democratic Party and Chairman of the Parliamentary Environment and Food Committee
Second row from left: Per Larsen, MP of the Danish Conservative Party; Runa Friis Hansen, alternate MP of the Red-Green Alliance; Morten Messerschmidt, MP of the Danish People’s Party, chairman of the People’s Party, former MP of the European Parliament, Danish co-chair of IPAC (Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China); Kenneth Kristensen Berth, former MP of the Danish People’s Party, secretary general of the People’s Party
Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance Will Prevail
Canada Member of Parliament Michael Cooper said at the rally in Edmonton on July 20 this year: “We cannot let down our guard now or remain silent in the face of persecution. We must speak out loudly, expose these brutal acts, Falun Gong practitioners became the target of suppression for upholding Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance, yet such principles are completely against the evil Beijing totalitarian government.
“Today, July 20 is a dark one but there is still hope because it is a battle of good and evil. We face the evil communist political regime and Falun Dafa representing kindness. I believe, Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance will prevail in the end.” He posted a photo of his attendance at the Edmonton rally on X and wrote: “Despite the CCP’s brutality, the Falun Gong have shown remarkable resilience. Canada must join allies to hold the CCP accountable for its genocidal crimes.”
Canada Member of Parliament Michael Cooper attended a rally held by practitioners in Edmonton.
Canada Member of Parliament Garnett Genius thanked Falun Gong practitioners in Canada for the leadership and resilience they displayed. He said, “In line with the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance, Falun Gong practitioners led many alliances to push for human rights globally. I hope that one day, the great Chinese citizen can truly obtain freedom, Canada will support them forever, support freedom.”
Miriam Lexmann, Member of the EU, posts on social media condemning the CCP’s persecution of Falun Gong.
Miriam Lexmann, Member of the European Parliament (MEP), posted messages on social media, strongly condemning the CCP’s forced organ harvesting and demanding that the Party immediately release all illegally detained Falun Gong practitioners.
She wrote, “Nobody should ever be persecuted because of their faith and belief. The CCP must stop with the persecution of the Falun Gong and be held accountable for the inhumane crimes of forced organ harvesting. Mr. Ding Yuande and all practitioners must be released.”
Another Member of the EU Engin Eroglu posted on X: “Today marks the 25th anniversary of the start of the CCP’s brutal oppression of Falun Gong. Let’s remember all those in China who have been denied freedom of religions belief.”
Twenty-two German officials and dignitaries expressed their support for practitioners’ efforts to expose the CCP’s persecution.
Twenty-two German officials and dignitaries, including members of the European Parliament, federal parliament, and state parliament, along with city councilors, sent letters, received interviews, or addressed the practitioners’ rally to express their support for practitioners’ efforts to expose the persecution.
Nadine Ruf SPD spokesperson in the Subcommittee on Citizen Participation and member of the Committee on Family, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth wrote in her support letter to practitioners: “On the anniversary of the Falun Gong practitioners’ protesting the persecution on July 20, 2024, I would like to draw attention to China’s persecution of Falun Gong.
“Falun Gong’s basic values are Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance, which are universal values of humanity and should be supported by those who firmly believe in human dignity and freedom. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Falun Gong practitioners for their courage to uphold their values despite years of imprisonment, torture, persecution, and threats of death.”
At a rally in Sydney on July 18, federal Sen. David Shoebridge said it was time to reflect on whether the Australian government has done enough to strengthen its laws, “to ensure that nobody comes from China or any other regime and engages in unethical organ harvesting.”
David Limbrick, a member of the Victoria state Parliament in Australia, called the 25th anniversary “a day of inspiration,” in his statement.
“The Libertarian Party believes much more should be done by governments everywhere to recognize this history of oppression and safeguard [Falun Gong practitioners’] freedom and belief,” he said.
Japanese Upper House member Hiroshi Yamada called the CCP’s persecution “barbaric and inhumane” in a statement. He said that Tokyo should, “lodge a strong protest” with Beijing over the persecution.
Hung Chien-yi, city councilor for Taipei, called on the CCP to end its practice of forced organ harvesting during a rally in Taipei on June 20, saying that “human rights are universal values.”
UK House of Lords member Baroness Cox said in a statement: “No government should be killing any of their citizens merely because of their faith. This is unacceptable in today’s world.”
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