(Minghui.org) Falun Gong practitioners in Canberra, Australia, held a candlelight vigil in front of the Chinese Embassy on July 18, 2025.

They mourned those who lost their lives over the past 26 years due to the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) persecution. They condemned the CCP for persecuting Falun Gong and called for an immediate end to the persecution. They also urged the public to help stop these crimes against humanity.

Practitioners in Canberra held a candlelight vigil outside the Chinese Embassy on July 18, 2025.

At the event, two practitioners, Ms. Ma Li and Mr. Liu, gave speeches in Chinese and English.

They said, “For 26 years, the CCP used all kinds of cruel tactics to try to force Falun Gong practitioners to give up their beliefs. A report published on the Minghui website, ‘Investigation Report on Torture and Killing of Falun Gong Practitioners by the CCP’ documented 206 types of torture. These include beatings, electric shocks, forced feeding, drug injections that damage the nervous system, and forced labor, among many others.

“Over these years, nearly 100 million practitioners and their families have been defamed and constantly watched. Millions have been abducted, illegally detained, sent to forced labor camps, sentenced to prison, or held in brainwashing centers. Countless people have died from torture or forced organ harvesting. Millions of families have been torn apart.

“Despite the risks, practitioners in China and around the world have peacefully resisted the persecution for 26 years. The belief in Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance brings us together. No matter how brutal the CCP’s actions are, practitioners remain firm and courageous.”

More People Need to Know About This Persecution

Earlier in the day, practitioners held an information booth and a petition drive on a busy pedestrian street in downtown Canberra. Many passersby stopped to sign the petition, expressing their support for ending the CCP’s persecution.

Oliver Simoncini said, “When I first learned that people were having their organs forcibly taken, I started looking into it and came across Falun Gong. After hearing your explanation today, I understand more about it. It’s connected to spiritual self-cultivation, and it’s quite different from other traditional Chinese practices. Very interesting, and I didn’t realize it had such a long history.

“The persecution began on July 20, 1999. I didn’t know why it started, but now I understand more. I’ve learned that Falun Gong was becoming more and more popular in China,” he added.

“I admire your persistence in telling the truth and helping more people understand what’s happening,” Oliver said. “I think not enough people know about this. If people don’t know, they won’t do anything to help. Maybe we need to speak to the media or even to government officials, so more people can stand up and help stop the persecution.”

Practitioners Are Doing a Great Job

John Sharp says practitioners are doing well by peacefully opposing the persecution.

John Sharp, a public servant, said, “I understand that Falun Gong is a spiritual practice guided by the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance. The CCP has been persecuting Falun Gong for a long time. I also know the CCP is targeting Falun Gong even outside of China.”

John expressed his hope: “The persecution is still happening, but I hope the environment for practicing Falun Gong in China will improve. I often pass by the Chinese Embassy and see your banners there. You’re doing a great job. Please don’t give up.”