(Minghui.org) European Falun Gong practitioners held a rally in the Bürkliplatz town square in Zurich, Switzerland, on October 5. Local politicians and pedestrians expressed their support for ending the persecution in China.
Support and Thanks from Politicians
“The manner in which the Tian Guo Marching Band campaigns for people and their rights, drawing attention to the ongoing persecution of Falun Dafa in China, is admirable,” wrote Member of Parliament Rosmarie Quadranti in her letter to the rally.
“And this rally should also be understood as a wake-up call. A wake-up call to all who have become quiet in our country. People, but also the media, who are less and less—at least that's what it looks like—making efforts for human rights.
“Therefore, again, many thanks, that it is still possible, even at our time today, to raise awareness in a peaceful way by using music effectively to connect all people across all ages and cultural boundaries and bring attention to the fact that injustice that should not be allowed to exist is still happening.
“Many thanks for your tireless efforts for the rights of Falun Dafa. Either by making music or doing volunteer service in the background and often by sacrificing your free time over the years to draw attention to this group of people persecuted in China.”
Zurich city councilman Andrew Egli wrote: “Peacefully exercising the freedoms of expression, of belief, and of conscience as you do—just doing that makes us human. Whoever denies others the freedoms of speech, belief, and conscience is denying their humanity. To steadfastly retain one's humanity and individuality are essential to a civilized society. Here in Switzerland, a person risks criticism and ugly words at the most; in other societies it's persecution, death, and physical humiliation. My greatest respect to those who keep fighting to remain human in such circumstances.”
European Falun Gong practitioners held a rally in the Bürkliplatz town square in Zurich, Switzerland on October 5.
Spectators took pictures of the Tian Guo Marching Band.
A passerby speaking with a Falun Gong practitioner
Passersby try out the Falun Gong exercises.
Pedestrians Sign to Help End the Persecution
Manuel, a communications professional, said that, from previous Falun Gong activities, he'd learned that Falun Gong was about being a good person based on Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance: “I think Falun Gong is a very good exercise that can lead to mental and physical health. Falun Gong practitioners display such courage and perseverance.”
He also pointed out that silence on human rights issues because of economic interests is “lethal.” He said he signed the petition to put pressure on the Swiss government to take action.
Manuel (left) signed the petition to the Swiss government to help end the persecution of Falun Gong in China.
Mr. Truong listened to the speakers for quite some time. He said that he had heard of Falun Gong but that what was said at the rally helped him to understand the situation better.
“I think (Falun Gong practitioners) are very well organized. The speakers have explained the persecution very clearly. I think you are doing a great thing here. Activities like this will inspire courage.”
He said that Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance were very basic principles that should be adhered to and preserved. “Based on the terrible atrocities in China's past, I believe that Falun Gong is indeed being persecuted.”
Mr. Truong
Sandra B. is from Germany and has a marketing job in Switzerland. She said that some of her friends were Falun Gong practitioners, “I think Falun Dafa is very good. It helps to raise awareness on the issue of justice. It dares to go where others stop, in particular, on human rights in China.”
“Falun Dafa is very ethical and honors fundamental moral values. They are telling people what's happening in China in a peaceful and friendly way,” she added.
Sandra B.
Speaking of the persecution of Falun Gong, Sandra said, “It is pretty sad that the world looks the other way and hasn't learned from our history with the Holocaust. It's horrible to think that people tear out someone's organs and make a big business out of it.”
She said that she hoped her signature would help end the persecution, especially killing on demand for organs, and help Chinese society return to its cultural and moral roots.
A pedestrian signs the petition to support Falun Gong practitioners.
Hoping the Chinese Learn the Facts
Eva Marie, a Falun Gong practitioner from Germany, sincerely hopes that Chinese people can learn the facts about Falun Gong and the persecution. She said that she feels a deep connection to the Chinese people because the Falun Gong that benefits her so much is from China.
“Chinese people have such an ancient civilization, one that emphasizes the connection between humankind and the universe. Their traditions are full of wisdom,” she said. “Unfortunately, Karl Marx's ideology, communism, went from Germany to China and has misled the Chinese. My advice to them is: 'Wake up! There is no hope with this evil specter.'”
Falun Gong practitioner Eva Marie spoke at the rally in Zurich on October 5, 2018.
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Category: Rallies & Protests
