(Clearwisdom.net) At about 1:00 p.m. on April 24, 2010, around 2,000 Falun Gong practitioners and supporters gathered at the crossroad of Main Street and Kissena Boulevard to protest the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) persecution of Falun Gong and urge Chinese Mainlanders to seek the truth and withdraw from the CCP.

Falun Gong spokesman Mr. Zhang Erping

Falun Gong spokesman Mr. Zhang Erping said, "To date, more than 3,300 practitioners have died as a result of the persecution. What makes one brim with anger is the tragedy of live organ harvesting of practitioners in China. Practitioners are compassionately telling people the truth to fight against violence and lies. We also sternly warn those who participate in the persecution that history will put them on trial."

Ms. Ma Chunmei

Forty-two-year-old Ms. Ma Chunmei also spoke at the rally. She told of how she was illegally arrested four times and sentenced to forced labor twice. She also talked about the various torture methods she endured in the past four years.

Spokesman for the World Organization to Investigate the Persecution of Falun Gong Mr. Wang Zhiyuan

Spokesman for the World Organization to Investigate the Persecution of Falun Gong (WOIPFG) Mr. Wang Zhiyuan pointed out that the 610 Office is the command center of the CCP in persecuting Falun Gong. The Party committees at various levels have all set up corresponding offices so that an independent system evolved. For the past 11 years, the 610 Offices have been involved in all cases regarding death or injury, illegal sentencing, forced brainwashing or homelessness. Mr. Wang also read the "WOIPFG Announcement of the Full-Scale Gathering of Criminal Evidence of the CCP's Persecution of Falun Gong."

Former Member of the New York City Council Tony Avella: "I Will Always Support You!"

The public responded positively to the rally and several government officials showed their support. Former member of the New York City Council, Tony Avella, said, "Two years ago, I stood together with the Falun Gong practitioners by wearing a Falun Gong T-shirt and for that reason I was attacked and discriminated against. I am very glad to sponsor this resolution in support of Falun Gong during my term of office at the New York City Council."

He also said, "Both in the United States and China, Falun Gong practitioners should continue to exercise their rights without interference and discrimination. Your core value is right. I will always support you!"

A bystander from China visiting his family in the United States said, "The rally was very good and people should be given such a form to express what's on their mind. It was excellent for the U.S. Congress to pass Resolution 605."