(Minghui.org) Besides watching the Olympic games, sports fans and tourists may have also come across Falun Gong practitioners in Rio and other Brazilian cities this summer. The Falun Gong group there has been holding various events to raise awareness and collect signatures against the persecution in China.

Practitioners re-enact tortures that Falun Gong practitioners face in China's jails.Demonstrating the exercisesTelling people about the persecution in China

At famous tourist spots in Rio, visitors from all over the world were appalled when they saw re-enactments of tortures that Falun Gong practitioners are subjected to at the hands of the police in China. A Christian watched a re-enactment for a long time with tears in his eyes. “This reminds me of Jesus,” he said to practitioners. “I wish you success.”

Practitioners held similar activities in São Paulo. They demonstrated the exercises in front of the São Paulo Museum of Art (MASP), passed out flyers on the bustling Paulista Avenue, and went to a Chinese business district on 25th Street to display banners and raise awareness about the persecution in China.

Practitioners hold banners and signs on 25th Street in São Paulo, where Chinese businesses have been established.

Demonstrating the exercises in front of the São Paulo Museum of Art (MASP)

A couple from Brasilia signed the petition condemning the persecution. “Everybody needs truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance,” the husband said.

A woman from Brasilia was happy to discover Falun Gong. She watched the exercises for a long time, and told practitioners: “This is what I have been looking for. Inner peace is precious. I need it. I will join your exercise site,” she said before signing the petition.

Edson Modesto, a lawyer from Brasilia, didn't hesitate to sign the petition. He also gave practitioners his card, telling them to call him if they need legal help.