In order to let more people know the truth about Falun Dafa and to update people about the current situation in China, Dafa practitioners in France gathered near the Chinese embassy and to hold group practice activities as well as educate the public about Falun Dafa. (The French government does not permit activities like this in front of embassy building.)
While dozens of practitioners practiced the exercises serenely, others passed out information to people passing by. Paris is the host to people from all over the world, including Mainland China. Upon seeing the photographs documenting the physical abuse suffered by Chinese practitioners at the hands of the army and police, some people strongly expressed their dissatisfaction with the actions of the Chinese government. Amazed by the graceful movements of practitioners, some wanted to learn Falun Gong immediately. There were tourists that obtained a deeper understanding about the Falun Dafa after talking to practitioners. There were others who wanted to buy the Falun Dafa books to learn more. One gentleman, in particular, was working on a film project about Asian religions. After talking briefly with some practitioners, he said that he would learn more about Falun Dafa through the Internet, and would consider reporting about it.
Under pressure from the Chinese Embassy, the French police prevented Dafa practitioners from delivering letters directly to the embassy officials. The Chinese Embassy officials publicly refused to meet with practitioners and would not accept any letters or materials from them. Some practitioners felt that as government officials, they had the responsibility to listen to voice of their citizens. So after the Falun Dafa activities ended, an attempt was made to deliver a public letter and some additional materials to the embassy. At that time it had already closed, but practitioners rang the doorbell anyway. At first, someone answered from inside and said he would open the door, but then there was no response. It was assumed the staff had discovered, through the monitor, that the people outside were Dafa practitioners and therefore avoided them. The practitioners placed the materials upon their doorstep and left.
This morning, the Chinese program of the French International Broadcasting Company, reported on the Falun Gong situation in China for more than 10 minutes. They covered the story of how the Chinese government had intensified its efforts, on the eve of the anniversary of the crackdown, in persecuting Dafa practitioners,. They also interviewed two practitioners, one from Beijing and one from France. The practitioner from Beijing spoke briefly about his spiritual belief and his willingness to persevere. He also said that, according to the Chinese police, as many as 4,000 practitioners went to Tiananmen Square during the week of the anniversary. The French practitioner explained why Falun Dafa is not involved in politics and why practitioners went to appeal to the Chinese government leaders in Zhongnanhai on April 25, 1999. The program has an audience of several million people in China and France. As a special report, the French program of French International Broadcasting Company also reported on the Falun Gong situation.
Practitioners in France 7/20/2000
Reports from Paris: In an official public notice about Falun Gong, UNADFI, a major organization established to identify and monitor the activity of religious cults, made the following statement: " Until now, we have not been able to find any evidence of a religious cult in this activity (Falun Gong). It [Falun Gong] has attracted some people who are disappointed in Tai Chi and traditional Qigong. Furthermore, Falun Gong has shown itself to be a non-political organization."
Note: UNDAFI is frequently consulted by the French government on how to deal with issues relating to religious cults.
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Category: Rallies & Protests
